Author: Family Friendly Daddy Blog

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Dear Holly: Starting Off Your Summer with Another Birthday Party for a Doll

8 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

Monday morning, I learned that you and your cousin Darla have an app on your tablets that allows you to send instant messages to each other.

It was a bit of a surreal moment when I realized I have a daughter who is old enough to legitimately send text messages.

You and your cousin were planning a birthday party for her doll, April.

On Wednesday morning, you informed me: “Daddy, April’s birthday party is tonight at 5:30.”

Your Aunt Dana even stopped by the store to pick up some food for the party.

And the birthday party perfectly aligned with the dolls getting their yearbooks back that you and Darla made for them.

A great time was had by all!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Shootin’ Cicadas in Alabama

13 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Last week while Mommy was on the phone with her boss, he asked how you and your sister were doing during the first official week after the move.

She told him: “Jack’s just outside shooting cicadas with his BB gun.”

He replied, “Well that sounds like the most Alabama answer you could have possibly given me!”

Based on the rate things are going with all the renovations we are getting done, it will likely still be a few more weeks before we are actually living in our Alabama home; as we are temporarily living with Nonna and Papa.

Hopefully there will be enough cicadas to be shooting in the meantime.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You Got to Ride in the Moving Truck

8 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

As I drove the moving truck from our home we are selling in Tennessee to the home we are moving into and renovating in Alabama, the cab was filled with guitars and TV screens.

However, after we unloaded the truck at our Alabama home, I had to drive a little over an hour to return the truck in Georgia.

Your brother turned down my amazing and generous offer. But you did not.

We were sitting up as high as most 18 wheeler trucks.

Whereas in a normal car you can barely see out the window, in the 26 foot long moving truck, you had what was basically an aerial view; compared to what you are used to.

I was so happy for you to keep me company, riding shotgun in the moving truck!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Moving Day

13 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Last Friday, your best friend Landon showed up to say goodbye, as his dad and I loaded up the moving truck for our move from Tennessee to Alabama.

I am fully confident the two of you will not grow distant after our move. After all, his entire family drove to Alabama for my 40th birthday party, back when we only had known his parents for a week or so.

Though it happened too quickly for me to capture it on camera last Friday, I did witness what I perceive as the first and only time the two of you hugged.

Because, you know… it’s a guy thing. Gotta play things cool.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Last Day as a 2nd Grader in Tennessee

8 years old.

Dear Holly,

Today I walked you home from 2nd grade for the final time. Not only was this your last day of the school year, but it was also your last day of school in Tennessee.

This weekend, our family is officially moving to Alabama!

Mommy and I will be picking up the moving truck tomorrow.

Despite all the boxes we’ve already moved to our new house in Alabama, we still have a living room full of more to move out… plus all of our furniture!

You were proud to get your new summer shoes in the mail this week: Pink slip-on Chuck Taylors.

New shoes, new house, new school, new state…

Your life is about to change in a big and exciting way.

Love,

Daddy