Dear Holly: You’re Ready to Go Back to School Now

7 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

I asked you just now, “Are you excited to start 2nd grade tomorrow?”

You confirmed: “Yes, because this summer… has been kind of boring.”

Forget about the trip to California we took last month, I guess.

I’ll take that as you implying you had a nice, relaxing summer; so now you are ready to be challenged again.

We met your teacher yesterday and she was so excited to welcome you to her class.

She let you pick any desk you wanted in her classrooom. You chose the one closest to the teacher’s.

I made it official as I confirmed to your teacher: “Looks like Holly is going to be your teacher’s pet this year!”

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: That Time We Technically Couldn’t Afford Your Smiley Face Pancakes

7 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

On our recent annual visit to California, our family finally checked out the town of Chico; where Mommy went to college in Northern California.

She insisted we stop for breakfast at one of her favorite restaurants from 20 years ago, called Sin of Cortez.

It was never openly broadcasted when we walked in that this was a “cash or check only” restaurant.

We only found this out after we had eaten our breakfast and the waitress brought us the bill.

I purposely do not carry much cash in my wallet anyway, but especially not when I am on vacation.

Between the cash I had in my wallet, and the change Mommy had in her purse, we were still a dollar short.

The waitress excused the dollar and allowed us to pay her tip through Venmo.

All you knew was, you really liked your smiley face pancakes!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: People Instantly Notice and Compliment You on Your Hair

12 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

You are officially all set to start 7th grade next week. You’ve got the shoes, the clothes, the backback…

And of course, the hairstyle!

We’re at the point now where when we are out in public, people will actually say to you, “Cool hair!”

You try to hide how proud you are of your hair, but I know it means a lot to you to have the official American teenage boy hairstyle.

I’ve noticed how here at the end of the summer, you will style your hair even if you are just going outside to ride your bike.

It’s a big deal to you!

 

Love,

Daddy

Our Trip to the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento

12 years, 9 months. 

Dear Jack,

It’s getting to the point now, that when I write my weekly letter to you and it doesn’t have something to do with cars, it’s the exception to the rule!

On our family’s recent visit to Sacramento, we made sure to stop by the California Automobile Museum.

Needless to say, it was the equivalent of when you were younger, taking you to a toy store.

You are a 12 year-old boy who is fascinated with cars to the same level of hysteria as old men at car shows. And yes, you do attend car shows for fun now.

Now Mommy and I are curious what your first car will be…

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: You Took Good Care of Your Doll June on Our California Trip

7 years, 2 months.

Dear Holly,

As we packed for our week-long family trip to Sacramento, you made sure that your doll June had everything she needed.

Not just for the time we would be spending in California, but also for the 4 and a half hour flight there.

What we weren’t expecting was a 5 hour delay at the Nashville airport after we checked into our gate.

But you made sure June was well taken care of as we had some mandatory chill out time, waiting for the plane part to be flown in from Chicago.

We survived!

Not to mention, we received an $800 voucher for our next flight with Southwest.

I wonder if June will be making that trip too?

Love,

Daddy