Dear Holly: Your Lego Advent Calendar

9 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

Every morning this month after you have woken up, you have immediately checked your Lego Advent Calendar; to see what new Lego item you get to unlock for the day.

Saturday morning, I just happened to wake up earlier than usual and so did you. Therefore, I was able to witness you being able to carry out your December morning routine.

You were so happy to find a Lego dog with a wheelchair.

I am appreciating how the days leading up to Christmas are just as exciting as the actual holiday.

And I’m still just so happy we ourselves don’t have to travel anymore for Christmas!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 15th Birthday

15 years old!

Dear Jack,

It’s official. You’re 15 years old today. When we asked you what you wanted to do to celebrate, you chose for our family of 4 to spend a quick day trip to Nashville, hitting up all your favorite spots.

As for your “big” birthday gift, you carefully researched the best gaming chair for your “PlayStation 5 station” in your room. The chair is basically an actual car chair and is even equipped with a massager for your back.

Though I will say, you’re still not too old for Lego blocks, as you were very excited today to build the F1 racecar we got you, which you are now proudly displaying in your room.

Everytime it’s your birthday, I will always think back to that terrifying moment I held my firstborn child for the first time, as I thought, “How am I supposed to know what to do with this brand-new human life?”

Fifteen years in… So far, so good.

I love you, Jack.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Serving as a Greeter at Church

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Sunday was “Youth Sunday” at church, where the high school kids led the entire service. You were asked to serve as a greeter, as you were responsible for welcoming people at the front door and handing out the the programs to them as they entered.

I wasn’t sure what you would think of serving in that way. But afterwards, you confirmed that it went well and you enjoyed it.

This is something I figured would be out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, I was wrong.

I am proud of you for continuing to develop your social skills and that it actually was a good fit for you!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Helping Manage the Trick-or-Treaters

9 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

This year was ultimately the first time we have ever been at our own home long enough during Halloween to actually tend to the trick-or-treaters, before we actually left the house to do our own trick-or-treating.

Not only did we have candy to give away, but thanks to Nonna, we had dozens of Ty beanie babies (still with the tags on them!) to give away to kids who came to our door.

It was truly heartwarming to see how grateful these kids of all ages were as they got to pick out the animal of their choice.

You did a great job helping Mommy!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your Loded Diaper Halloween Costume

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Without question, your Halloween costume this year was clearly the most low-key and the least theatrical you’ve ever had. Your first official “high school” Halloween costume was simply a t-shirt displaying the logo, “Loded Diper”.

Only fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise would know this is a reference to a band name featured in the series. In other words, I had no idea what it meant.

But as we made our way down the street trick-or-treating, there were a few different people to shout out at you, “Hey! I like that shirt. The band from Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

Love,

Daddy