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Dear Holly: Playing Wordscapes on Mommy’s Phone

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

I can appreciate that you have discovered solving crossword puzzles on an app on Mommy’s phone, called Wordscapes.

As we made the hourlong drive to Guntersville for the boat race last Saturday, you kept yourself  entertained and intellectually stimulated in the car.

And while the boat race did keep your attention for a little bit, you decided solving crossword puzzles was more your speed.

Something I definitely appreciate about this is that you and your brother have now begun solving these puzzles together. Sometimes I help too- but you and your brother tend to do much better than me!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: We Went to the Guntersville Lake Hydrofest

14 years, 7 months

Dear Jack,

It can be challenging at times to find family activities that you as a teenage boy can appreciate. Fortunately, this past weekend’s Hydrofest in Guntersville was a hit.

You were truly tuned in to all the boat racing action. You were fascinated by the fact that the boats used jet engines.

Waking up early on Saturdays is definitely not your thing. But you really didn’t seem to mind for something like this.

I was actually surprised how close to the water we were able to stand and watch, as the boats raced by us as fast as 200 miles per hour!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Saturday Mornings with You and Mommy

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

I am a big fan of Saturday mornings. Something I specifically appreciate about living in Fort Payne is there are quiet places to spend with you and Mommy… while your brother sleeps in.

Last Saturday morning, we had breakfast together at The Bakehouse in downtown.

And the Saturday before that, the three of us went to Alice Circle, right around the corner from The Bakehouse, where you “made some slime” in the craft room and Mommy bought a t-shirt that I knew looked like her style.

Quality time is the most important thing to me. I love Saturday mornings with you and Mommy!

Love,

Daddy

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The Local Burrito Company Closed

14 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

Right as we moved to Fort Payne a year ago, a new restaurant popped up called The Local Burrito Company. It immediately became one of your favorites.

Not only that, it became your official Wednesday dinner tradition. Every Wednesday night on the way home after church, I would take you to The Local Burrito Company..

It became a joke that the people who worked there didn’t even have to ask for your order. They would just see you walk with in me, then immediately start making two vegetarian burritos:

One for that night and one to heat up the next day.

Sadly, I took you there for the final time last week; as they have now closed down.

We’ll have to find you a new Wednesday night tradition for dinner!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Dance Recital

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

This entire school year, Mommy has been taking you and your cousin Darla to dance lessons every Wednesday.

At last, all that practice finally paid off, as our family was able to go see your dance recital this month.

For me, it was one of those milestone moments for me as your Daddy.

No one could tell, but I was “low key” crying while you were up there on stage.

For me, it goes beyond me being proud of you.

It was this overwhelming feeling, in a good way, that I have the gift of you as my daughter.

Love,

Daddy