Author: Family Friendly Daddy Blog

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Riding with You in the Car

9 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

It is so rare that I am ever not driving when our family is in the car together:

I drive. Mommy is up front in the passenger seat. That’s the set-up.

But this past week while on Fall Break in Blue Ridge, there was one point when Grandma was sitting up front while Mommy drove, so I sat in the back with you.

You laid your head on my shoulder and went in and out of sleep.

During that time, here is what I thought to myself:

“The worries of life have all disappeared. You, in this moment, are the only thing I am thinking about. I am so grateful I have you in my life.”

I love you.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: You are Still a Kid

9 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

As you and Mommy pulled in the driveway from a quick trip to the Dollar General to pick up some poster board, I noticed you had taken a teddy bear from Build-A-Bear with you as a companion.

I wanted to capture that moment, as it served as a reminder:

Despite you growing up, I still currently have a “child” in the house; as your brother is now in high school.

It makes me happy to know you still treat stuffed animals like they are real and that you still get so excited to turn a cardbox box into a car for yourself or for your Warmies.

And that you would spend hours on creating a Lego version of our family and our home.

You are still a kid. I just love that.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Your Archery Lessons Paid Off

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Once I logged off work on Tuesday, I noticed you outside in the backyard; piecing together scraps of building material. A little bit later, I saw Mommy out there trying to assist you.

After I snapped a few photos of the curious situation through the back window, I ended up getting recruited to try to help. I learned that you got your brand-new $60 remote control jet stuck in the tree, just minutes after unboxing it.

So your solution was to construct a “reaching arm” long enough to attempt to knock it down from the tree limb. Despite your best efforts, you still were a bit short.

I suggested we throw footballs and tennis balls up there at it. After many attempts, my aim was always a solid 6 feet short.

As it began getting dark outside, you decided to try to use your bow and arrow as a last ditch effort. On your 7th shot with arrow… you safely knocked down your new plane.

Just a minutes later, it began raining; which would have ruined your new plane.

So this is confirmation: Your archery lessons we paid for back in 2020 have officially paid off!

 

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Spirituality, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Your First Time Serving as the Valet

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Our entire family was involved in this past weekend’s grill out at Nonna and Papa’s house. Mommy and I planned and hosted it. Nonna and Papa allowed us to use their yard and playground as the event venue.

Uncle Andrew cooked all 80 burgers… and he let us use his golf cart to use as the taxi to usher the guests from the empty lot down the road where everyone parked.

And you served as the valet to drive everyone from their cars and back.

I could tell you took your job very seriously. You were attentive to make sure everyone was safe the entire time.

You served others and were very much an important part of making the event run smoothly!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: The Church Grill Out at Nonna and Papa’s House

9 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

This past Saturday, we really got to see Nonna and Papa’s playground come to life, as Mommy and I hosted our Sunday School class’s grill out there.

My favorite part was being able to see the joy that Nonna and Papa experienced as they watched all the kids play on Papa’s customized playground… and all the parents be able to socialize without having to worry about their kids being entertained.

I mean, seriously… who has a seated zipline in their backyard? It is quite the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of playgrounds! And it just happens to be at your grandparents’ house!

Love,

Daddy