Dear Holly: Proof You’re Doing a Good Job of Brushing Your Teeth on Your Own

7 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

We are now several months into me not helping nor supervising you brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.

This goes alongside your new habit of eating sugary cereal for breakfast most mornings, like Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries.

Well, this morning before school, Mommy took you your dentist visit for teeth cleaning and a check-up.

The report: No cavities!

This serves as great confirmation that you are truly doing a solid job of brushing your teeth, while still being able to enjoy fun, silly cereal for breakfast every morning.

I am happy for you… and relieved!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Helping Your Sister Collect Seashells in Naples

12 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

During your Fall Break in Naples, we got a chance to visit Tigertail Beach Park.

While Mommy and I just chilled on a beach towel in the sand, your sister gladly followed your lead in scouting out the best seashells.

I love it that the two of you are old enough to spend time together making childhood memories on vacation.

You’re now just a couple of weeks away from your 13th birthday…

So I am definitely aware that when I say “childhood memories”, they are soon to be “teenage memories” for you.

Either way, the memories you make with your sister during this time are definitely still childhood memories for her.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Playing Bongos at Uncle Tom’s Bob Marley Party

7 and a half years old.

Dear Holly,

I am so glad that Uncle Tom and Aunt Jen were able to plan their Bob Marley party around your week of Fall Break.

You kept making your rounds to the bongo drums, getting as much practice as you could; even when no one else was around to see it.

It was a chilly week back home in Tennessee, but in Naples where we were, it was definitely warm enough that you and your brother had plenty of time to swim in the pool.

And that includes when we arrived from the airport around midnight!

What a perfect way to spend Fall Break.

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: You Now Need a Gone Fishin’ Sign

12 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Saturday afternoon, I drove you to the park where I take my daily walks. You have been curious whether the creek there might be a good fishing spot, as you bought a fishing pole with your own money on Saturday morning.

Even though Mommy and I clearly told you that we got you a fishing pole for your 13th birthday coming up in less than a month now…

Your fishing trip was a success. You caught 16 chubs in the 90 minutes we were there.

This was so exciting for you, that you realized that you could just ride your bike there after school each day; carrying your fishing pole and tackle box in your backpack.

Like clockwork, you are home by dinnertime.

And you immediately walk through the door, giving us what has now become a predictable a report:

You are averaging one fish every ten minutes!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: You in Your Bedroom When No One Else is Around

7 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

Right now as I type this from the bonus room, I am catching glimpses of you and hearing your sweet voice as you are apparently babysitting your dolls in your bedroom.

Now that you are growing up and becoming much more indepenent, you seem to enjoy having time to yourself; when the rest of us all have our own projects.

You set up the tablet for the dolls to watch videos on YouTube, while you provide snacks and wardrobe changes for them.

The whole time, I hear you speaking; though I can never make out what you are telling them.

I just love this!

Love,

Daddy