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Dear Holly: Look at that Strawberry Blonde Hair Coming Through!

6 months.

Dear Holly: Look at that Strawberry Blonde Hair Coming Through!

When I think of things that motivate me in life, one of them is spending time with you each morning before I take you and your brother to school. I love seeing you in whatever cute little outfit Mommy puts you in.

You have now graduated my world-famous “Cry It Out” program, so now you are sleeping all night, then waking up so happy and refreshed.

I officially realized recently that you are a morning person. That’s part of why I enjoy spending that time with you so early in the day: Because all I have to do is just appear, and you automatically are sincerely happy to see me.

How could anyone see your smile and not want to smile back?

And also with each new morning, I get to see you evolve one step closer to “little girl” from “infant” status. Your personality now is everything I predicted based on the hints I saw in you as a newborn.

It’s always been easy to compare you to a kitten. You are playful and fun and adorable.

You’re also obviously growing physically as well. You’re still around the 80th percentile for height, but are now down to the 18th percentile for weight.

Despite your big appetite and how much Mommy and I constantly feed you, you maintain your tall and slender frame.

When your brother was your age, I called him my baked potato. He was such a sturdy, solid mass. He didn’t really have a neck until he was about two years-old; not to mention, he had a noticeable belly until about that age as well.

As for you, you’re the complete opposite. Though you’re undeniably strong, you’re like my baby ballerina.

It is such a fun thing for me to look forward to- the thought of seeing you grow up.

And look at that hair finally starting to come through. I was starting to think you might not have hair until you were 2 years old.

I actually thought you might end up being a red head, as I clearly could see that being hinted in the pictures below I took of you during the 4th of July.

Dear Holly: Look at that Strawberry Blonde Hair Coming Through!

But just like your brother had when he was very young, you have light blonde hair growing in. But yours, in particularly, appears to be strawberry blonde.

I am so happy to see you grow up just a little every day. You’re such a pretty little girl.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Look at that Strawberry Blonde Hair Coming Through!

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Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

6 months.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Dear Holly,

I realize that at 6 months old, Halloween is a new concept to you. I’m sure you were confused by what was going on, so I figured it’s a good idea for me to tell you about the fun our family had.

On Sunday, the day before Halloween, our family ventured over to Thompson Station Church for a fall celebration.

Even though Mommy and I already had your brother’s Count Dracula costume ready for him, which is what he’s been wanting to be this whole time, he decided about 15 minutes before left the house that he instead wanted to be “Baby Diaper Man,” which apparently was loosely based off of a villain he saw on Scooby Doo.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Jack insisted in wearing a diaper over his shorts, as well as one over his head, like a Captain America-style helmet. I suggested he also wear his cape and eye mask from his Jack-Man costume, to bring the concept to full fruition.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

He was so proud of his original costume. Once we arrived, he ran ahead of you and Mommy, eager to enjoy the festivities. But the moment he saw another girl about his age, it’s like it hit him:

Wait, I don’t want kids my age to see my wearing my sister’s diapers!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Immediately, he insisted on taking your diapers off. Then Jack became Jack-Man; his character in the 22 episodes of his series.

He really enjoyed getting candy from everyone, as well as going in the “jumpy houses.” Meanwhile, you completely slept through the whole thing; that was nearly a 3 hour nap!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Then the next day on Halloween, our family got the double stroller into gear and canvased the neighborhood so your brother could collect candy: to eat, to experiment on, and to sell to the dentist for money (the candy is donated to the American military troops).

Mommy decided to carry you, instead of letting you ride shotgun in the double stroller, since it was already so dark at 6:45 PM, after dinner. It also was the warmest Halloween I’ve ever experienced! It felt like we were back in San Diego.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Your kitty hat (which served as your costume) couldn’t have helped the situation; as it was intended to keep you warm outside in the assumed October chill.

After visiting just a few houses, your brother Jack decided that instead of walking to each house, he wanted remain on the stroller right up unto the point where he was only a few steps away from each neighbors’ front door.

What a lazy Dracula!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

I’ve never heard of a Count Dracula who gets has his own drive-up service. Seriously, your brother is a funny boy…

Next year, you’ll be a little bit more aware of what’s going on, so you can truly appreciate your Daddy pushing you around in a double stroller with your brother.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

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Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

5 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

After a cinematic-quality wedding ceremony on the water, we all made our way inside for Jake and Stephanie’s wedding reception, which was also quite the class act.

You buddied up with your cousin Savannah, who you don’t often get to see when we fly out to California each summer. As I look back on these pictures from a few weeks ago, I can’t help but notice how much she looks like Mommy, just without the bangs.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r6

I’m not used to this, but it turns out I wasn’t the only vegan there! I was one of 4, actually, and that’s not even counting Mommy, who ordered the special vegan option on the menu; even though she’s not actually a vegan, but a vegetarian instead.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Since there were other vegans there, that also meant I actually got to enjoy vegan sweets. I fully recognize this may be the only wedding I ever attend that had its own special vegan wedding cake.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Outside on the deck overlooking the water, there was a blank canvas that anyone could help paint, which served as a wedding memory for Jake and Stephanie. You painted a fish for them.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

After the meal, your cousin Savannah let you play a fun game on her phone, and even took you out to the dance floor!

Jake and Stephanie entertained everyone with a special montage for their first dance. It was very impressive. They obviously had practiced a lot for it.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r14

During the midst of the dance party, your baby sister Holly did her best to keep up with all the fun. But granted, it was getting past her bed time.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r15

It’s safe to say that she partied ‘til she dropped!

The wedding and reception were nothing short of magical. Such a good time. Memories that we’ll be holding on to, for sure.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r12

Jake and Stephanie’s wedding was the whole purpose for our trip. While we had a wonderful time celebrating with them, I can’t deny that we made an epic family vacation out of the trip.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

We got to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, as well as Legoland. We enjoyed a bonfire, we walked along the coast, and played in the sand. We got to drive all across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, with the 3rd row seat which you claimed as your own.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

And it was all because Aunt Stephanie became a part of the Tuttle family, just like I did 8 years ago.

Too bad we don’t have a big family wedding to attend every year in California!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

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Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

5 months.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Dear Holly,

After our family spent most of the week enjoying our vacation with attractions like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Legoland, the time had finally come for us to celebrate the actual reason we had flown out to San Diego to begin with…

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Your Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s wedding!

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

We didn’t have to drive the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander very far. In fact, the wedding venue, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was so close, we could have just walked. But hey, we had a fancy ride so took advantage of it.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

I had very high expectations of what their wedding would be like, with good reason. Both Jake and Stephanie had been planning it intensively for many months.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

As I imagined, my expectations were valid. Their wedding made me think of a movie wedding: It was right there on the water. There was a string section providing the music. Jake and Stephanie even read vows to each other, which were both well thought out.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

It was classy, extravagant, and yet not over the top. It was the perfect wedding ceremony.

Of course Mommy made sure we were all properly dressed for the occasion. Your brother Jack and I enjoyed our bowties, and as for you, Mommy found such a beautiful dress for such a beautiful little girl.

As you sat in Mommy’s lap during the ceremony, you took it all in. You paid attention the whole time.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

However, I couldn’t tell you about the wedding if I didn’t mention how you made everyone in our section laugh during one of the most serious parts of the wedding.

The officiator was explaining, “The ring is a perfect circle. It is a symbol of…”

Pppffffftttt…ppfftt.

That was the sound that came from your bottom.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

What made it so particularly funny was that it was from a precious little baby girl in a lovely dress- a baby girl who was sincerely appreciating the wedding ceremony. You were completely oblivious to the hilarious interruption you had just made.

Needless to say, anyone within a 15 foot radius of you couldn’t help but laugh, or at least pretend not to.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

But fortunately, the wedding went on, and now you officially have a beautiful new aunt.

The wedding couldn’t have gone any better. It was a like a dream.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

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Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

5 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

Dear Jack,

This past Saturday made the 3rd year Mommy and I have taken you to Walden Farm to pick out some pumpkins and to enjoy all the related festivities. Of course, it made the 1st time for your sister.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

Though we dressed for fall weather, it actually felt more like summer. Had we known, we would have all worn shorts.

We started out by going on the hay ride. You always love to find all the hidden objects out in the field.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch w2 w3 w4

It was funny because just earlier that morning I was telling Mommy how I would like to take you to a “scary house” at some point. Fortunately, they had one there at Walden Farms.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

For 5 Walden Bucks, you and I got to access the playground area which included a scary house that was appropriate for you. At your age, I would have been too afraid to even enter. Not you though- you went through it twice. You thought it was really cool.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch w7 w8 w10

You also got to go on the cool tube slide on the hill. Plus, you climbed the haystack mountain.

This also made the first time you rode the tractor train by yourself.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

I love how our visit this year was different than the others- because now, you are old enough to do the big boy stuff.

Before this year, you liked to hang out at the toddler table, playing with the toy trucks and bulldozers in the sand.

But this time, you just enjoyed exploring the parts of Walden Farm that you never had before.

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch

Meanwhile, your sister Holly had a much more relaxed experience; enough so that she was asleep for part of it.

We had a wonderful time as a family. Maybe next year your sister can join you in the train.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Our Family Went to Walden Farm Pumpkin Patch