Dear Holly: You Won a Prize for Having the Best Handwriting in Your Class!

6 years, 8 months.

Dear Holly,

You came home from school so proud last week, when you announced to Mommy and me that your teacher gave you a special prize for having the best handwriting in the class.

Apparently, your teacher has been paying attention to the details of your work at school… as you clearly have, as well.

The prize? A big pouch of candy: Sour Punch Spooky Straws… of course!

I suppose the taste of victory is so much sweeter (and more sour?) when you get candy to recognize your habit of leaning a bit toward perfectionism in everything you do.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Further Proof You’re Probably Going to Be an Engineer

12 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

I have been saying your entire life, how I believe you are going to be an engineer when you grow up.

And each year that passes, I see further evidence of this.

We are at the point now to where when Mommy orders furniture that requires assembly, you are the one who is smart enough to figure out how to assemble it… and just as important, you actually enjoy the challenge of it.

This past week, as I went to my office for the final time in my career, since we all work from home now. I brought home some 3-D puzzles I found there.

For me, it would have been a nightmare to build the puzzle. For you, I think it was the highlight of your week!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Christmas with Your Cousins

6 years, 8 months.

Dear Holly,

Two days before Christmas, we spent the entire day with your cousins. We took you all to one of the most fun places for kids these days in my home town of Fort Payne, Alabama; called Alice Circle.

While your brother and cousin Calla worked on creating scented slime, you and your cousin Darla painted Christmas mugs. It was the perfect way to spend a morning that would have been too cold to do anything else!

Afterwards, we all enjoyed lunch at everyone’s collectively favorite restaurant: Cracker Barrell.

Then, that night, we hosted a sleepover at Nonna and Papa’s house.

A good time was had by all!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your Sister Bought a Grinch Doll Because She Said It Looks Like You

12 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

In the aftermath of Christmas gift cards, our family recently made a trip to Barnes & Noble. Fate would have it, Mommy and I bought books; while you and your sister bought toys… of course!

For years now, I have been jokingly telling your sister she is like Cindy Lou Who each Christmas. Apparently, she agreed so much this year that she decided to spend some of her Christmas money on a stuffed animal of Cindy Lou Who, that came with a stuffed animal of The Grinch.

With no hesitation she explained to me, “I bought the Grinch because Jack makes that same face a lot!”

Love,

Daddy

 

Dear Jack: Your New Pottery Wheel Studio

12 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

This year for Christmas, you received very few toys. Instead, it was all about arts and crafts.

You have always loved creative activities, but this only become more obvious since having Art as an elective class for 6th grade this year.

With my “office” being our kitchen table, I always get a front-row seat for whatever project you are currently working on.

This morning, you unboxed and quickly taught yourself how to use your new Pottery Wheel Studio that Mommy and I got you for Christmas.

Last night, I sat down with you and went through my newest Enneagram book.

It’s official: You’re Enneagram 4- the creative personality.

That’s no surprise to me!

Love,

Daddy