Storytelling

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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

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Dear Jack: The Perfect Size for Wings

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Last week while we were in Blue Ridge and stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant, they happened to have a photo op there while we waited for our table.

I didn’t realize it as I was taking the picture, but you brought it to my attention:

You were the exact perfect size to just walk right up and have the wings perfectly fit.

Not only were you the exact height, but you were the exact width.

I say “were” because as you are continuing to grow right now, I’m sure you will have outgrown those wings the next time we visit there… if you haven’t already!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Sleeping in Our New Room

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

After our family’s Fall Break Vacation to Blue Ridge came to an end, Grandma stayed at our house overnight, before taking her flight back to California.

She slept in your bedroom, which meant you had a choice:

Either sleep on your sister’s top bunk in her bedroom, or…

Sleep on the blow-up mattress in our brand-new office/sun room/studio; which is so new, that construction completed the day before we left for our trip.

You seemed to appreciate it as your makeshift bedroom. Having your PlayStation 5 in there helped.

The room is apparently close to soundproof because I didn’t hear you playing your games at all after I went to bed!

Love,

Daddy

 

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Dear Holly: Riding with You in the Car

9 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

It is so rare that I am ever not driving when our family is in the car together:

I drive. Mommy is up front in the passenger seat. That’s the set-up.

But this past week while on Fall Break in Blue Ridge, there was one point when Grandma was sitting up front while Mommy drove, so I sat in the back with you.

You laid your head on my shoulder and went in and out of sleep.

During that time, here is what I thought to myself:

“The worries of life have all disappeared. You, in this moment, are the only thing I am thinking about. I am so grateful I have you in my life.”

I love you.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Your Archery Lessons Paid Off

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Once I logged off work on Tuesday, I noticed you outside in the backyard; piecing together scraps of building material. A little bit later, I saw Mommy out there trying to assist you.

After I snapped a few photos of the curious situation through the back window, I ended up getting recruited to try to help. I learned that you got your brand-new $60 remote control jet stuck in the tree, just minutes after unboxing it.

So your solution was to construct a “reaching arm” long enough to attempt to knock it down from the tree limb. Despite your best efforts, you still were a bit short.

I suggested we throw footballs and tennis balls up there at it. After many attempts, my aim was always a solid 6 feet short.

As it began getting dark outside, you decided to try to use your bow and arrow as a last ditch effort. On your 7th shot with arrow… you safely knocked down your new plane.

Just a minutes later, it began raining; which would have ruined your new plane.

So this is confirmation: Your archery lessons we paid for back in 2020 have officially paid off!

 

Love,

Daddy