parenting

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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

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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

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Dear Jack: Being the Official Entertainment of Sleepovers

14 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

You have made it clear that I have a reputation, as a dad, of being extremely strict when it comes to bedtime routine at our house. (That’s something I am very proud of!)

I’m all about having fun and experiencing adventure during daylight hours, but once the sun starts going down… it’s time to settle down.

But, hey… when I’m not there with you, I don’t care what time you go to sleep or how rowdy you get! Not my problem.

And that is exactly how I felt as Nonna sent me photos of you, your sister, and your cousin at their house while Mommy and I went away for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago.

I was happy for all of you! You definitely served as the entertainment, making the sleepover even more exciting for your sister and cousin.

So much for setting down that night.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: What You Do at Sleepovers as a 9 Year-Old

9 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

I am still not over the fact that Mommy and I are at the point in life where she and I can just go away for a weekend, leaving you and your brother at Nonna and Papa’s… and it’s totally okay with everybody!

And it helps even more that your cousin Darla joined in at your most recent sleepover, ensuring that there would be nonstop 9 year-old activities the whole time!

Of course, much of it revolves around your collection of dolls… as the event becomes “the dolls’ sleepover” perhaps more than your own, as you perceive it.

I love it that we live in the same state as family now!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: The Fishing Pole You Made a School

14 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

When you’re at the house, you don’t really have much to say to us, as your parents. So when you come home from school, it can be difficult for us to know what kind of day you’ve had; because when we ask, we typically just get a mumbled “good” out of you.

But this week, you came home from school proudly sporting a handcrafted fishing pole you made from mechanical pencils and other random school supplies you found in the halls at your school.

When you demonstrate your creativity like this, I know that’s your way of saying without speaking the words: “Of course I’m happy!”

Love,

Daddy