birthday

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Dear Holly: Our Friday Dinner Out for Mac-and-Cheese at the Mexican Restaurant

5 years, 7 months. 

Dear Holly,

At this point in my life, I truly do not enjoy eating out at restaurants. I like having complete control over what I eat- and I don’t want to have to pay more for food I can just prepare myself.

However, you have been asking for me to take you back to Acapulco Mexican restaurant near our house; as you declare they make the best mac-and-cheese! That’s where you had your dinner out for your 5th birthday, 7 months ago.

Needless to say, last Friday night, you completely cleaned your plate!

Plus, you were excited because when you ordered root beer with your meal, they brought it out in a real glass bottle instead of a kids’ cup.

I’m glad I could spend that time with you- as I know it meant so much to you!

And spending quality time with you is one of the most important things to me!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Very Thoughtful Cards for Your Brother on His Birthday

5 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

For weeks now, leading up to your brother’s 11th birthday this week, you have been working diligently on a series of special birthday cards for him.

You had been storing them on your dresser, for the big day!

Finally, you got to see his reaction when you gave him all 5 of them.

One stood out though- I think it was everyone’s favorite:

“Dear Jack, I hope you have ever seen a caterpillar.”

Then you drew a picture of the two of you underneath.

It was so thoughtful and caring for you to spend so much time on making those birthday cards for your brother.

I will never forget it.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 11th Birthday

11 years old!

Dear Jack,

Today you turn eleven years old. This is an exciting time in your life.

Turning 11 in the 5th grade, a week before Thanksgiving, you now made it part of your identity to be a Taekwondo kid! You are so proud of your accomplishments so far, as you’ve recently earned your yellow belt. That is a big part of you turning eleven.

And then this weekend, to our surprise, you decided you wanted to be baptized- so you were!

I don’t see this as a forgettable year for you. I see it as a big, memorable year!

Happy 11th Birthday! I love you, Jack!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Maybe I’m Not Ready for You to Be Done with Plastic Toys, After All

10 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This is my last letter I will write you while you’re still 10 years old. Your 11th birthday is now only a few days away!

I’ve kept it no secret from myself; how it’s not easy watching you grow up so fast, especially as you are now more of a pre-teen than a little boy.

As birthday gifts have been showing up in the mail, and as I’ve watched how you’ve used your gift cards from your birthday party, it surprised me a bit to see you choose… plastic toys.

I was thinking we were past that stage in your life.

Last year it was all about Fortnite. This year, it’s Roblox.

Yeah, I know. You’re just collecting more plastic that you’ll ultimately forget about a year from now.

But as for now, it’s proof that there’s still a little bit more “little boy” still in there.

I need there to be.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter on Her 5th Birthday

5 years old today!

Dear Holly,

Today is going to be a very exciting day! You are now 5 years old and we have a very special event planned for you.

We are hosting a special “tea party” birthday party for you and some of your friends from school; as well as your cousins from Alabama.

And for dinner, when we asked you where you would like go to out for your big day, you responded, “Acapulco Mexican restaurant because they have the good macaroni and cheese- and Jack likes their pizza.”

I know it’s going to be such a fun 5th birthday for you.

I love you, Holly!

Love,

Daddy