2 Comments Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: This Was Definitely Your Biggest Halloween Ever!

7 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

It was supposed to start raining around dinner time on Halloween. I really hated that for you; that it would be nearly impossible to visit many houses on the one day each year we attempt to visit every neighbor in our neighborhood with their front porch light on.

Amazingly though, it was perfect weather outside; for any day of the year, actually.

It was about 66 degrees and the wind was barely blowing.

Not to mention, more neighbors were giving out candy this year, compared to the previous Halloweens we’ve lived in our neighborhood.

We literally visited every single house with the light on.

And when we got back to our own house, there was no room left in your bucket, even for another pack of Skittles.

Maybe your dinosaur costume scared them into giving you a little more candy this time?

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your 3rd Halloween, This Time as a Ladybug

2 and a half years old.

Dear Holly,

During the past week leading up to Halloween this year, your brother and I kept reminding you, “Okay, Holly, if you want to get candy, you have to wear your ladybug costume…”

Therefore, you practiced wearing it every couple of days, just to get a good feel for it.

We went on to teach you the secret special phrase, “Happy Halloween!”

You grasped the concept quite easily.

Your brother even made a special deal with you right before we went trick-or treating, that he would give you his chocolate candy if you would give him your sour candy.

At each new door in our neighborhood, you proudly smiled and said those magical words…

One neighbor even gave you an extra pack of M&M’s, simply because of your cuteness factor, after he already gave you two other packs.

And no, the Mickey Mouse Band-Aid on your favorite wasn’t because of a cut. That was just you being you.

Love,

Daddy

1 Comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Teaching Your Sister to Say “Bad Words”, But Not in Context

7 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

I’ve recently discovered that when Mommy and I aren’t closely paying attention, like while we are doing the dishes, you discreetly teach your sister “bad words”, as if it’s your obligation as her older brother.

“Holly… butt cheek.”

She will then repeat it and confirm she knows it’s a new word she shouldn’t say:

“Butt cheek.”

Then she grins with gratitude.

However, she doesn’t quite understand the context of most of the Disney-approved bad words you have been teaching her.

That’s why it’s not out of the ordinary for her to casually say, “I want a cheese stick… butt cheek.”

I’m sure in time, though, you’ll be able to teach her how to say these inappropriate phrases a little more appropriately.

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You are Trying So Hard to Have Legitimate Conversations But…

2 and a half years old.

Dear Holly,

Last Sunday while you were playing with your brother’s toys in his bedroom while Mommy sorted out his closet, you took it upon yourself to create a story line.

You swung your purse over your shoulder then grabbed your brother’s poop emoji stuffed animal, then enthusiastically yet routinely announced, “Hey Poop, want to go to church?… Yeah?… Okay, let’s go!”

From there, you pretended to load up Poop in the car for the ride to church.

And yesterday as I was driving you to school, I said, “Look Holly! Those men are putting a new roof on that house!”

Seeing the apparent fun of being able to walk on top of a house, you proclaimed, “I want to walk on the roof for my Christmas.”

In your mind, these scenarios are completely realistic.

That’s good enough for me.

Love,

Daddy

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3 Places to Stay Just Outside of Dallas, TX 

Dallas, the ninth largest city in the United States, is often called the commercial hub of the North Texas region. Featuring a variety of museums, sporting venues, and cultural events, the city is home to a variety of activities that make it a great place to visit for people of all ages. While most travelers to the area plan to stay near the downtown area, venturing out to the smaller towns surrounding the city can provide a unique glimpse into the region and is often more affordable.

Lancaster

Located about 5 miles from Dallas, Lancaster offers visitors the opportunity to see attractions they would probably miss if they stayed in the city. Lancaster’s Commemorative Air Force DFW Wing is a small museum that allows visitors to see, touch, and explore planes from World War II. The museum is open on the weekends and staffed by former military members who provide visitors with intriguing history lessons they won’t soon forget.

Visitors to the area will also enjoy exploring Lancaster’s Bear Creek Nature Park, which is home to a butterfly garden, rock climbing wall, fishing pier, and multiple hiking trails.

Lancaster is a vibrant community that travelers will enjoy exploring. By taking advantage of the hotel accommodations available in Lancaster, visitors will have access to the unique attractions mentioned here as well to the variety of restaurants and shops in the area.

Plano

Situated less than 20 miles from Dallas, Plano features a diverse assortment of attractions that visitors to the area will enjoy. Nature lovers can explore Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, which features 3.5 miles of concrete trails and 5 miles of soft surface trails. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also available at the preserve, and visitors should check out Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure for a one-of-a-kind experience that will have them zipping through the forest canopy. The preserve is open from dawn until dusk.

Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum is another must-see attraction for travelers to the Dallas area. This living history museum gives visitors a first-hand peek at what life was like on the Texas Blackland Prairies years ago.

Garland

A quick 30-minute drive from Dallas, Garland features several unique attractions, including Hawaiian Falls Garland, a large water park, and Spring Creek Forest Preserve, a natural area that’s perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

Hawaiian Falls features a lazy river, numerous water slides, and a 16,000 square foot wave pool. Kids and adults alike will enjoy spending the day at this thrilling water park. If you’re looking for a more laid-back way to spend the day, Spring Creek Forest Preserve is a city-owned nature preserve featuring short, easy hiking trails that allow you to experience the region’s beautiful scenery.

On your next trip to Dallas, consider staying in one of the nearby towns. You’ll discover new areas to explore and save a little money at the same time. This vibrant part of Texas is sure to provide visitors with memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Image via Flickr by awsheffield