parenting

1 Comment Posted on September 7, 2014December 1, 2014 new house, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: We’re Building A New House In Spring Hill, TN

3 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Two weeks ago I told you all about how our family had a great afternoon at GlowGolf. Now I’m going to tell you what happened earlier that morning…

We bought a brand new house in Spring Hill, TN!

Well, I guess the way I’m supposed to word it is, “We are building a house in Spring Hill.”

Right now, our family’s new home is a concrete slab, surrounded by loose dirt. (These pictures feature both our lot as well as the model home.)

We are scheduled to close on January 29, 2015. (Lord willin’!)

I love that because it means we have several months to figure out whether we will be selling or renting out the townhouse we own now. And it also means we have several more months to continue throwing money into savings to prepare for the transition.

While this big decision may seem a bit random, it’s far from it.

Mommy’s hobby for the past couple years has been researching houses. Why?

We live in a 2 bedroom townhome. It’s not a very inviting space for visitors, including family.

Also, we have recently learned just how important it is to live in Williamson County if you live in Nashville, as compared to living in Davidson county.

Our new house, in the bedroom community of Spring Hill, will have 4 bedrooms and a bonus room in Williamson County. It’s going to be quite a step up for us.

I’m really looking forward to it!

We’ll finally have a lawn. And amazingly, I won’t have to buy a mower… the $75 monthly HOA fee includes them mowing our front and back lawn!

So this subject will obviously be showing up a lot in my letters to you. Buying a new house is a huge deal and will be a big part of our lives.

Fortunately, Mommy and I were able to get through the paperwork surprisingly well thanks to the in-house agent cleverly buying a remote control dump truck, as well as helium balloons a head of time.

Regarding the balloons, you proclaimed, “I can do my ‘hi-yah!’ moves!”

This decision didn’t come easy. We have been so strict with our budget: no smart phones, no cable TV; basically no eating out at restaurants.

But that enabled us to have a respectable down payment on this new house.

And I know good and well these next several months leading up to the move will have their legitimate amounts of stress…

But hey, our family is ready!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on September 2, 2014 funny, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Reading Bedtime Stories With A Scream Mask On

3 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

This past weekend for Labor Day, we took a road trip in the 2015 Buick LaCrosse through Chattanooga and then to your Nonna and Papa’s house. More on that later…

With all the driving around we did, Mommy and I needed to make sure you got a good nap on Sunday.

As we made our way upstairs to what used to be your Aunt Dana’s bedroom, you saw a Scream mask and a hockey mask I had from high school, lying in the floor of my bedroom which hasn’t been cleaned since… circa 1999.

You asked me to read you a bedtime story, while wearing the Scream mask, before you went down for your nap.

So I did…

For your story, I chose a book from my own childhood: Sesame Street’s Ernie Gets Lost.

I had to make sure my voice matched the character of the mask, so I did my best impression of the voice modulator used in the Scream movies.

You decided you wanted me to use a “quieter” voice instead, so I changed it to a good ole fashioned falsetto female voice, which was much more pleasant sounding- technically.

Keep in mind, this was all your idea. Good thing Mommy and I had the camera handy!

After nap time, the scary masks ended up downstairs and they were passed around for more entertainment. Your cousin Calla appreciated the masks as well, for some reason.

So yeah, it was pretty much the typical American Labor Day holiday… Scream mask and hockey mask included.

I have a feeling that when we drive back there in a month for your Uncle Andrew’s 30^th birthday, you’re going to want me to wear the mask and read a bedtime story again.

This may have been the beginning of a new tradition! What should have been terrifying was simply entertaining, apparently serving as the best way to transition you to peaceful sleep.

[Cue Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”]

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on August 24, 2014August 24, 2014 Nostalgia, parenting, Uncategorized

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Includes Secret Giveway For World Of Coca-Cola Tickets)

I assume that because I am from Alabama, a decent amount my readers are from there was well, and maybe more specifically, are also Crimson Tide fans. Therefore, I also assume there may be some readers who will be making the trip to Atlanta to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Mountaineers in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on August 30.

So, courtesy of the World of Coca-Cola, I am able to giveaway 4 tickets to World of Coca-Cola to readers traveling to Atlanta for the game. The tickets are good for a visit the attraction, so one lucky reader can take 3 friends or family members along. (Also, they are valid through the end of this year.)

Here’s what to do to try to win:

Be the first person to go to the Facebook page for Family Friendly Daddy Blog and ask, “Did I just win the World of Coca-Cola tickets for this weekend?”

If you truly are the 1st, I will personally respond to confirm that you are the sole winner of all 4 tickets. (Then I’ll follow up privately to confirm your mailng address to give to World of Coca-Cola to send the tickets.)

Update: It took 48 minutes… then this happened:

Charles Van Dyke

Today at 9:49pm

Did I just win the World of Coca Cola tickets for this weekend?

Like ·

Family Friendly Daddy Blog Yes sir, you did. In fact, you came in like a wrecking ball! You are the sole winner. Send me your mailing address and I’ll have Coca-Cola mail you the tickets in the morning!

Like · Reply · a few seconds ago

So it’s official, Charles Van Dyke is the winner! Thanks for reading and for playing, Charles.

Also, there are a lot of big events going on in Atlanta that weekend – specifically for the Kickoff Game, and otherwise – and you might be interested in checking out this list of the family-friendly things going on if you’re in town for the game. Included below is World of Coca-Cola‘s list of the top 6 things to do in Atlanta the weekend of August 30th, 2014.

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Presented By World Of Coca-Cola

1) Fan Days at the World of Coca-Cola are August 26 through September 2. Buy your tickets here and receive $3 off general admission to get a glimpse inside the world’s #1 brand and see what the fizz is all about.

2) As a football fan, how could you not visit the new College Football Hall of Fame? The attraction is going all out for its Grand Opening on August 23. Celebrate the rich history of the game and make memories of your own with historic and contemporary artifacts, interactive multimedia displays, children’s activities and more.

3) For some free fun, grab your fellow fans and hit up Tailgate Town on the West Plaza. How can you resist food sampling, games, giveaways and a BBQ cook-off?

4) If you want to take your tailgating up a notch, purchase tickets for the Bama Bash Team Tailgate at the Georgia World Congress Center. Yes, that’s an air-conditioned tailgate featuring pregame entertainment and a delicious buffet.

5) Refresh yourself with an ice-cold drink and cheer on your favorite team at its Pep Rally when you visit the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola Zero. Don’t miss out on the dozens of interactive games and sponsor attractions.

6) While walking down the Atlanta streets, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself in the middle of a science-fiction scene. That’s because Dragon Con is returning to Atlanta this Labor Day weekend. For some fantastical fun – and lots of Storm Troopers – check out the annual parade.

Leave a comment Posted on August 23, 2014August 23, 2014 parenting, reviews, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: GlowGolf (Real Glow-In-The-Dark Miniature Golf) A Family Friendly Review

3 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Back a couple of months ago for Father’s Day, you (and Mommy) got me a Groupon for GlowGolf. We just now got around to cashing it in this weekend, here at the end of the summer.

Yesterday at school, you mentioned to your teacher Ms. Michelle that we were going golfing over the weekend… for my birthday. Birthday, Father’s Day… same difference.

She helped you make a birthday card for me. I loved it! I’ll be hanging it up on my wall in my office: “That’s you and me driving a train,” you explained.

Then this morning, you were so excited in anticipation, you celebrated by making a “Christmas tree” out of your basketball hoop and random plastic animals.

I suppose when you’re 3, it’s easy to confuse Christmas, Father’s Day, and my birthday.

While GlowGolf locations can be found all across America, the one closest to us was just down the road in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

I knew it would be fun, simply because it would involve our family and something we’ve never done before.

And sure enough, we totally had a blast!

You’re just 3 months away from turning 4, but you are definitely old enough to appreciate and enjoy it.

Granted, you aren’t old enough to play by the rules. In other words, we didn’t bother to actually take score.

In fact, you helped Mommy and me by scooting the ball in the hole anytime we got close to the hall.

How thoughtful!

At this particular GlowGolf, there are 18 different holes and you can play them up to 3 times. I was impressed by the glow-in-the-dark artwork surrounding us.

Also, note to self: Next time we go, make sure to stand right under the black light each time you take a picture. Even though the light is “black,” it makes for clearer pictures!

Yes, we will definitely be going back. Not simply because it was the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon, and because it’s really cheap ($8 for adults, kids age 5 and less only $3), but because Mommy won a free ticket for next time!

The final hole is a Plinko-like toss-up where it’s fairly easy, yet random, to get a hole-in-one. But if you do, as Mommy did, you win a free game!

I just happened to catch a shot of her making the winning putt!

Thanks for my Father’s Day/birthday/Christmas gift. I had a really fun time with you and Mommy. That’s the best kind of gift you can give me anyway.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on August 16, 2014 funny, Nostalgia, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized, vegan

Dear Jack: “Camping In” At The End Of The Summer

3 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

The theme at your school (KinderCare) this month has been “Discovering Summer: Wilderness 101.” In other words, you’ve been learning about camping.

Friday you and all your friends got to come to school in pajamas and take your naps in sleeping bags. Your teacher Ms. Michelle was telling me how, without being prompted, you “caught a fish” at Lake Nemo and immediately took it over to the “campfire” to cook it.

(Hey, I thought you were a vegetarian? How’d you know how to do that?)

So after seeing how you’ve enjoyed the camping theme so much, Mommy and I decided for our family to “camp in” this weekend…

We started things off with some of Mommy’s vegan french toast (made with fresh orange juice and Ezekiel bread), plus, I juiced you some fresh organic strawberry juice in our juicer as well.

While Mommy and I prepared breakfast, you were busy doing self-directed, campy arts and crafts. That not only included finger painting, but making ghosts out of construction paper.

Mommy cut out the shapes for the ghosts, letting you name the them: Marker, Boo, Circle, and Blue were a few of the names you came up with.

Then you dedided you wanted to write the names on the ghosts yourself.

That’s when I learned how well you can write.

You named one of the ghosts “Fire”. You asked me how to spell it, then correctly wrote it down, letter for letter. I was so amazed! I had no idea you could do that!

With the abundance of ghosts appearing in our camp in, I figured it’s our way of paying tribute to the concept of telling ghost stories around the campfire.

You also drew “shadows” next to a house. I think that was to further the campfire story feel.

We finished off the day with some smores. (Made from the vegan marshmallows I reviewed a few weeks ago.)

Hey, who needs the great outdoors?

We “camped in” and we liked it!

Love,

Daddy

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