Dear Jack: Teaching Your Sister to Shoot a Bow and Arrow

9 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Because of your continued interested in learning how to shoot a bow and arrow, we have now set up a target range in our backyard.

Mommy and I recently made a small investment in getting you and me our own “professional practice bows” to train on.

That means you donated your Nerf bow and arrow to your sister.

You even gave her a free lesson.

Granted, she stood a lot closer to the target than you and I stand when we shoot arrows at the target.

It was about a year ago that you first showed interested in archery.

I’m glad to see we are able to make this a reality for you.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Idea to Make Pumpkin Pie with Nonna

4 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

Knowing that Nonna and Papa would be coming up to take care of you while Mommy and I were away in Colorado, you put in your requests ahead of time:

“I want to make pumpkin pie with Nonna.”

So I let her know to bring the supplies up from Alabama.

You loved getting to make the pie while we were gone.

It was ready, perfectly in time for our return.

For the record, the pumpkin pie was exceptionally delicious!

And to think, this all happened because of your idea!

You thought of it all yourself. It was a plan that came together!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Have I Called You “Daddy’s Girl” Yet?

4 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

Either I say this all the time or somehow I’ve only implied it so often I figured it didn’t need to say it…

But for the record, I totally claim you as “Daddy’s Girl”.

What helped me realize this is when Grandma got you a shirt that says that on it.

And it wasn’t really even until I took a picture of you wearing the shirt that I processed what it said:

That “Daddy’s Girl” is obviously how I see you.

You and I have a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else in this entire world.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your Pet Lizard’s Military Training

9 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

During your breaks during the school day, as you are currently starting 4th grade from our guest bedroom, you often like to take out your pet pine lizard Serenity.

This week you have been introducing her to your military toys. Specifically, she has taken a liking to the helicopter.

I can’t explain it, but she sincerely seemed to be proud to be piloting the vehicle. As if in her mind, she was part of an important military mission.

And to think, you’ve now had your pet lizard for over a month at this point!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: You are a Photo Shoot Waiting to Happen!

4 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

We recently drove to Jasper to further celebrate Papa’s retirement.

After our lunch at Top of the Rock, we enjoyed the scenery there, overlooking much of Tennessee.

As always, I had my camera handy. You just happened to be wearing your favorite rainbow skirt.

Because… of course you were!

I’m not for certain you were aware that I was following you around with the camera, because you were just simply being you.

But as you casually pranced around like the little rainbow princess you are, it might as well have been in intentionally photo shoot.

Because either way, you were ready!

Love,

Daddy