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Dear Holly: 3rd Grade Awards Day

9 years.

Dear Holly,

Mommy and I received the notice from your school that we would need to be at Awards Day.

We were there to see your principal present you with the “All A’s & B’s” Award.

Meanwhile, your teacher and classmates voted you as “Ms. Cooperative.”

It makes Mommy and me so proud that both you and your brother qualified to be honored; especially for the fact you both were “new students” this year.

Not that we were too worried that transitioning to a new school in a new state would be a problem, but it definitely has been nice to have solid confirmation that our family’s move was a good thing for you both.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Watching Your Sister’s Dance Recital

Dear Jack,

14 years, 7 months.

This past Saturday, our family attended your sister’s long-awaited dance recital. We knew going into it that it was going to be at least as long as a Star Wars movie- and that’s not counting the fact we arrived an hour and 20 minutes early, to ensure we got decent seats.

As you sat next to me the entire time, I recognized that you and I were sharing the same perception of reality:

To our surprise, we actually found it to be a bit of a relaxing, therapeutic experience.

It’s funny to think we spent so much time watching a bunch of other girls we didn’t know doing their dance routines for their families, yet we didn’t mind it.

We just felt the vibe and went with it.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Warmies are Taking Over!

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

Each night as I tuck you into bed, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the way your Warmies are clearly taking over. The current count is 10 of them in your bed.

I crack up at the sight of 10 smiling faces looking at me, in addition to you next to them. And the fact that your 10 friends are all microwavable… it just makes the whole thing more hilarious.

Yesterday morning before you left for school, I noticed your Warmies baby Gracie decided to try to help Mommy get a head start for work.

You are my favorite 9 year-old girl!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: 8th Grade Awards Day

14 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

During this last real week of the school year for you, we attended your school’s 8th Grade Awards Ceremony.

You received an award of Academic Excellence in English, a Special Recognition award in Science, and a Best Artistic Artist award for art.

And on top of that we were there to see your cousin, Calla, be awarded several awards as well.

I know you were definitely proud; especially knowing this was your first year at this school since we moved from Tennessee nearly a year ago.

And of course, I am so proud of you. It makes me wonder… did I have something to do with you turning out to be such an amazing kid?

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Trip to Build-A-Bear for Your 9th Birthday

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

For your first birthday party since we moved to Alabama, I was certain you would choose to have it at Alice Circle; which is like the ideal place for 9 year-old girls.

But no- instead, you chose… to not have a birthday party?

I suppose you overheard Mommy and I talking about how much a birthday party would cost and then thought to yourself, “Well I could get a lot of gifts for less than a birthday party would cost…”

So in addition to your many birthday gifts you received, you asked if we would take you to Build-A-Bear; as we happened to have a trip planned to Nashville the week after your birthday.

You chose a kitty. And you decided she definitely needed a cheer squad hoodie, and 4 shoes, and to be lavender scented. Oh, of course she needed her own cell phone.

Seems like things a 9 year-old little girl would think of…

Grand total at Build-A-Bear: $76.

Still cheaper than birthday party, right?

Love,

Daddy