family

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Dear Jack: You Like My Jeep in the Summertime

12 and a half years.

Dear Jack,

It is understood that during the months when the weather is cold, I am in the only one who is ever in my Jeep. Our family only rides in Mommy’s Equinox during the school year.

But once it gets warm enough outside to take the front panels off the top of my Jeep, suddenly everyone wants me to drive wherever we go.

And that’s how I know summer has officially begun. Because this past weekend, we took a family drive in my Jeep out in the country.

I have the cool car… until around October, that is.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Graduating 6th Grade on the Honor Roll with All A’s!

12 and a half.

Dear Jack,

Today was your last day of 6th grade.

You did it!

And you did it well, because yesterday, Mommy and I went to go see you win an award for All A’s.

I can tell you for certain that I did not get that award 30 years ago in 1993 when I was in 6th grade.

And though I feel like I say this a lot… it’s one less thing to worry about in life, knowing that my son who is 30 years younger than me is much smarter than I am!

You make Mommy and I so proud.

Now it’s time to have a fun summer!

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Your Mother’s Day Gift Was Not Wearing Sweatpants to Church?

12 and a half.

Dear Jack,

I reminded our family Saturday night that there would surely be a specific photo opp for Mother’s Day at church the next day.

So Sunday morning, you came downstairs wearing jeans; as opposed to one of the dozen pairs of Nike sweatpants you wear pretty much anytime “pants” are required.

I said out loud, “Jack… you are actually wearing jeans? You never wear jeans. When’s the last year I have seen you wearing jeans?!”

You explained, “That’s my gift to Mommy for Mother’s day: I’m wearing jeans to church, instead of sweatpants.”

Granted, you still wore your Champion “slides” instead of real shoes… but nice effort!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Doing Chores to Earn Souvenirs?

7 years old.

Dear Holly,

Last week while Mommy and I were on vacation in Michigan, Nonna and Papa came up to take care of you and your brother.

While I definitely received many pictures of you playing and having fun, I also got this photo of you helping clean the house.

I am so grateful that you recognize the importance of contributing to chores; especially that you perceive it as fun, to some degree.

Of course, you knew good and well that Mommy and I would be bringing you souvenirs from Traverse City…

So I guess you earned them!

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: The Car You Created from a Box

6 years, 11 months.

Dear Holly,

This past week we ordered an indoor grill. It made me realize, “I still have a child who is young enough to appreciate playing with a box.”

Without ever making an announcement nor asking anyone’s permission, you took it upon yourself to turn that shipping box into a car. I noticed it had three pedals on the floor, implying it’s a manual transmission like my Jeep.

You also proudly brought to my attention that on the inside of the car door, you drew a stethoscope; which I suppose was intended to be a more grandiose first aid kit than the one in my Jeep I keep with me.

It was a very relevant choice for you to build your car from the box.

Even now as I type this, you are sitting down in your box playing, while Mommy drinks her coffee on Sunday afternoon after church.

 

Love,

Daddy