Dear Jack: Papa’s New Customized Tractor Machine Car Thing

10 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Last weekend when we showed up in Alabama for Memorial Day Weekend, Papa had a surprise waiting for you to enjoy. The thing is, I still don’t know what the thing is…

I don’t know what it’s called- if it has a name.

But Papa took an old riding mower and customized it to go much faster; like a heavy duty, off road go-kart.

It was just your speed- both literally and metaphorically speaking. You loved it!

I get the feeling that Papa will continue to add more to it each time we see it again.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: The Memorial Day Block Party 2021

5 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

Last Saturday in Alabama, Aunt Dana and Uncle Andrew hosted a block party in their backyard for Memorial Day Weekend.

You and your cousin Darla especially loved the big inflatable jumpy house with a waterslide!

A year ago, people weren’t able to get together like this. I feel like here lately, at least for our family, we’re finding reasons to have big gatherings with family and friends; like the Easter Egg Hunt and my 40th birthday party at Nonna and Papa’s house.

The summer is here- and this year, we get to hang out with other people too!

Love,

Daddy

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Picking Out Your Flower Girl Dress!

5 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

Last weekend was very special, following your preschool graduation.

Our friend Kaylie is getting married this fall and has selected you to be the flower girl for her upcoming wedding in Indiana.

So she drove down 5 hours to spend the weekend with our family in Tennessee, during which we all went to David’s Bridal to pick out and purchase your flower girl dress.

You tried on 3 different dresses, but you ended up going with the first one; which I knew you would… because it’s a shade of light pink.

Kaylie even got you cool sunglasses to match!

I am really looking forward to seeing you in action as the flower girl this September.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your 1st Overnight at a Friend’s House

10 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Despite you spending a week at a time out at Nonna and Papa’s house 3 hours away in Alabama multiple times now, you had never spent the night at a friend’s house… until this past weekend.

With as much time as you’ve been spending with your friend Landon over the past month or so, including his entire family driving down to Alabama for my 40th birthday party, we’ve definitely got to a certain level of comfort where it made sense to say yes when you asked if you could spend the night at his house.

Needless to say, it was a success.

This is a milestone in you growing up!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your Final Week of 4th Grade

10 and a half years!

This week as you turn 10 and a half years old, it coincides with your final week of the 4th grade. Hopefully, this will be the last time you have to spend an entire school year wearing a mask!

All the parents were invited to spend time with our 4th graders at a graduation picnic at your school’s playground.

I brought the football I keep in the Jeep and we played catch out in the field. Mommy and I staggered it to where she showed up right about the time I was leaving.

Next year is your final year of elementary school! It will be the only year you and your sister are at the same school; as she will starting Kindergarten.

You are growing up!

Love,

Daddy