Dear Jack: We Went to the Guntersville Lake Hydrofest

14 years, 7 months

Dear Jack,

It can be challenging at times to find family activities that you as a teenage boy can appreciate. Fortunately, this past weekend’s Hydrofest in Guntersville was a hit.

You were truly tuned in to all the boat racing action. You were fascinated by the fact that the boats used jet engines.

Waking up early on Saturdays is definitely not your thing. But you really didn’t seem to mind for something like this.

I was actually surprised how close to the water we were able to stand and watch, as the boats raced by us as fast as 200 miles per hour!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Saturday Mornings with You and Mommy

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

I am a big fan of Saturday mornings. Something I specifically appreciate about living in Fort Payne is there are quiet places to spend with you and Mommy… while your brother sleeps in.

Last Saturday morning, we had breakfast together at The Bakehouse in downtown.

And the Saturday before that, the three of us went to Alice Circle, right around the corner from The Bakehouse, where you “made some slime” in the craft room and Mommy bought a t-shirt that I knew looked like her style.

Quality time is the most important thing to me. I love Saturday mornings with you and Mommy!

Love,

Daddy

The Local Burrito Company Closed

14 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

Right as we moved to Fort Payne a year ago, a new restaurant popped up called The Local Burrito Company. It immediately became one of your favorites.

Not only that, it became your official Wednesday dinner tradition. Every Wednesday night on the way home after church, I would take you to The Local Burrito Company..

It became a joke that the people who worked there didn’t even have to ask for your order. They would just see you walk with in me, then immediately start making two vegetarian burritos:

One for that night and one to heat up the next day.

Sadly, I took you there for the final time last week; as they have now closed down.

We’ll have to find you a new Wednesday night tradition for dinner!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Dance Recital

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

This entire school year, Mommy has been taking you and your cousin Darla to dance lessons every Wednesday.

At last, all that practice finally paid off, as our family was able to go see your dance recital this month.

For me, it was one of those milestone moments for me as your Daddy.

No one could tell, but I was “low key” crying while you were up there on stage.

For me, it goes beyond me being proud of you.

It was this overwhelming feeling, in a good way, that I have the gift of you as my daughter.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: The Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball Game

14 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Memorial Day weekend, our family decided to go check out a baseball game. No, not the Atlanta Braves…

Instead, we watched the Chattanooga Lookouts play the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

As funny as this may sound, I actually enjoyed watching this game more than last summer when we actually did go see the Braves play.

I guess there’s something charming and more relaxing about seeing a game where the stakes are so low… and the names of the teams are so funny.

Not to mention, the Lookouts game was less than an hour away from our house.

Honestly, I’m ready to go back and watch them play again!

Love,

Daddy