Dear Jack: The 1st Month Of Living In Our New House

4 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

Dear Jack,

It was January 29th, more than 5 weeks ago, that we closed on our new house and began moving our stuff in. The next day, we slept in our new house for the first time.

Dear Jack: The 1st Month Of Living In Our New House

I didn’t plan to start chronicling each week in our new house the way I’ve done with my letters to you for the past (nearly) 5 years, but it’s just turned out that way (since these posts about our new house have proven to remain very popular among readers).

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

At this point, we’re obviously settled in our new life, in our new house. Other than finishing up hanging some wall decorations, and waiting on our new sofa to arrive next Saturday, we’re pretty much past the moving in stage.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

This past Saturday, it was finally warm enough outside for you and me to go out and play together for the first time in our cul-de-sac. For the past couple of weeks since the big freeze, you had been asking to go play where the neighbors’ remaining snowman is on the sidewalk.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

You have collected a decent number of Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars that served as great snowplows. In fact, one of them even buried St. Peter in the snow! Fortunately, a dinosaur helped save him, as the shark from Finding Nemo watched from above.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

From there, we finally got to walk along the sidewalk trail along the woods, which circles around to our cul-de-sac.

We were able to walk along a treacherous board where the sidewalk ended…

Dear Jack: Our 1st Month In Our New House

Sit on a broken tree, throw huge rocks…

We were able to walk along a treacherous board where the sidewalk ended...

And even go “fishing”…

Before we headed back to our house, you made a “Mintacinno” out of some things you found on the ground as we walked together.

We were able to walk along a treacherous board where the sidewalk ended...

It’s still currently melting on our front porch right now.

I should also point out this was the week in history in which you obtained “Blueberry”, a new stuffed animal that Mommy and I let you get after your marble set we got you for Christmas got broken in the move.

We were able to walk along a treacherous board where the sidewalk ended...

Blueberry means a lot to you; it’s quite evident. I was surprised you actually let me name your new bear.

It’s funny because actually Blueberry it’s one of those “My First Bears,” designed for newborns.

Hi Nick!  Here are some photos of Jack working on his wood working!   He was so proud of himself being able to use a real hammer and nails. He was very adamant about building a house. Even though he hit his finger with the hammer, he was brave and kept going (with a little help from myself) He used paint to decorate his building. He also made an "octopus monster" with styrofoam.    -Aimee

You don’t see it that way.

As for your new school, Rainbow Child Care Center, things couldn’t be better. Here’s a note I got from your teacher this week:

Hi Nick!

Here are some photos of Jack working on his wood working! He was so proud of himself being able to use a real hammer and nails. He was very adamant about building a house. Even though he hit his finger with the hammer, he was brave and kept going (with a little help from myself). He used paint to decorate his building.He also made an “octopus monster” with Styrofoam.
-Ms. Aimee

Hi Nick!  Here are some photos of Jack working on his wood working!   He was so proud of himself being able to use a real hammer and nails. He was very adamant about building a house. Even though he hit his finger with the hammer, he was brave and kept going (with a little help from myself) He used paint to decorate his building. He also made an "octopus monster" with styrofoam.    -Aimee

It’s been a great first month! This move has been a great thing for us. New house, new school, and a new version of life.

And, thanks to your teacher Ms. Aimee letting us know about it, we ended up buying tickets for the Repticon (reptile exhibition) in Franklin, TN next weekend!

Oh yes, pictures will follow…

Love,

Daddy

Hi Nick!  Here are some photos of Jack working on his wood working!   He was so proud of himself being able to use a real hammer and nails. He was very adamant about building a house. Even though he hit his finger with the hammer, he was brave and kept going (with a little help from myself) He used paint to decorate his building. He also made an "octopus monster" with styrofoam.    -Aimee

Review Of Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 DVD

Review Of Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 DVD

On March 3rd, the newest “best of” Elmo collection hits the streets. Of course, one of the benefits of being a successful blogger is that I am able to get my big hands on certain merchandise ahead of time; in order to share with my readers what the new product is all about.

Last night I sat down with my 4 year-old son Jack to indulge in the Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 DVD. As you can see in the pictures below, we had a lot of fun!

What caught me by surprise was how hilarious it was; not just for my son, but equally for me as well.

My son’s favorite part was watching Elmo drive in a car with Taye Diggs, as they zoomed past dancing cows who proudly displayed their udders. Jack couldn’t stop laughing.

For me, my favorite was the musical collaboration that Elmo did with Justin Bieber. Seriously, how could anyone not enjoy this?

Part of the charm of Elmo is his ability to remain fun and loveable, despite his long term, world-wide, celebrity pop culture status.

Granted, this DVD is full of educational lessons, as you would expect from Sesame Street.

If I could only describe Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 in 3 words, based on my son and I watching it last night, here’s what I’d say:

Fun, hilarious, educational.

Review Of Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 DVD

So by default, it’s also obviously captivating and entertaining.

The Sesame Street: The Best Of Elmo 3 DVD (and digital), from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street) will be released officially on March 3, 2015 for $14.98 SRP. It also includes the full-length feature, “Elmo and Abby’s Birthday Fun”.

It’s over 2 hours of fun, featuring Elmo the whole time! Now, I’m ready to watch Elmo and Justin Bieber again…

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

4 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

Dear Jack,

We are in the middle of a snow storm; the kind that hits the South pretty hard about once a decade. While Mommy is able to work from home this week, I have no choice but to take vacation days.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

In the attempt to drive to work, my car got stuck in the ice and snow. As soon as I pulled out of the driveway, I was unable to drive forward. I had no choice but to let me car back down further into our cul-de-sac.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

There’s just no way around it: We’re snowed in.

I admit, this event has inspired Mommy and me to seriously consider making one of our next vehicles (whenever that time comes, down the road) a Toyota Tacoma with 4 wheel drive.

https://familyfriendlydaddyblog.com/2014/04/25/family-friendly-car-review-2014-tacoma-double-cab-4x4-v6/

Not only have I always romanticized about them, the Toyota Tacoma is my favorite vehicle I have ever reviewed, which I di back nearly a year ago:

See Family Friendly Car Review: 2014 Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6.

While the main roads have been driveable, it’s been literally impossible to escape our neighborhood, which you have to drive through two others just to get to.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

I suppose your current favorite Netflix show, The Octonauts, has taught you a lot about animals. So it’s no surprise that you decided to build a bird’s nest, using “snow eggs.”

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

While it definitely feels strange to not be working right now (and obviously your school is closed), it is nice to be able to appreciate this sort of forced week off with you and Mommy.

Right before the storm hit, we found the perfect small couch/love seat for our bonus room upstairs. We were able to buy the floor model, which gave us nearly a 50% discount.

separately

The only problem was getting it home. I drove my Honda Element separately, and with the front seats up as far as they would go, I was able to awkwardly squeeze in for the most uncomfortable 30 minute drive of my life.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

It’s fun to see each room of our house coming together.

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

Hopefully the rain and above-freezing temperatures this weekend will allow us to live our normal lives again next week.

As for now, you sure are enjoying this winter wonderland!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: The 3rd Week Of Living In Our New House (Snowed In!)

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

4 years, 2 months.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

Dear Jack,

This past week was very special because not only did Nonna and Papa (my parents) come back in town to help us move in, but so did Grandma (Mommy’s mother)… she flew in from Sacramento!

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

You helped Papa and I build a 2 person desk for our office. (I’m sitting on it now as I write this.) Something we are learning about things we bought for our house (like the Roman Shades and your bed we finished last week, as well as this desk) is that they look awesome once you work your way to the finished product…

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

But getting there is quite a task. That’s what happens when you buy stuff cheap from China. It’s basically the equivalent of a Lego set.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

Yes, we bought a desk; in theory. But in reality, we purchased all the pieces necessary to build it completely ourselves. Over two days, it took us a total of about 4 and a half hours.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

You celebrated the finished product buy karate chopping the Styrofoam packaging, then “taking a bath” in the aftermath.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

We also had a lot of fun seeing you flying a kite for the first time… in our cul-de-sac.

I love it that we live in a cul-de-sac. I know this may sound weird, but I always liked the idea of living in one- and now we do.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

And it was awesome being able to play in our very own backyard for the first time as well. I felt so… American.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

I helped you find dirt to put in your dump truck, so that you could them “wash the animals in dirt shampoo.”

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

Our moving in process still continues, but it’s very rewarding to see certain rooms coming together now.

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

I’m really enjoying our new home and there is no doubt you are too!

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

We have every reason to celebrate our new home. After all, we’ve earned it. Our family has paid our dues to get where we are.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: The 2nd Week Of Living In Our New House

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

4 years, 2 months.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

Dear Jack,

Your first time to the circus was my first time to the circus too! Our family was able to go see Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! last night, where we live in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

We went Friday, opening night, but there are still Saturday and Sunday shows as well…

Show Times:

Friday, Jan. 23 – 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24 – 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 25 – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Show Times:  Friday, Jan. 23 – 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.  Saturday, Jan. 24 – 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Sunday, Jan. 25 – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

There is no denying that in this 2+ hour show, the entertainment is non-stop. Let’s see if I can remember some highlights of what we saw… thanks to some help from the pictures I took.

Granted, you kept a pretty much baffled look on your face the whole time; having never seen anything like we saw last night at the Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! show.

We saw many kinds of animals, including kangaroos, pigs, and elephants; but you told me that the lions and tigers were your very favorite part of the whole thing. It was pretty fascinating to see one man controlling all those big cats!

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

There were also the motorcycles that all drove into that sphere and somehow never crashed into each other. We saw the extremely talented acrobats as well. I imagine all they ever do is just practice!

It was like the whole time we were there it was hard to imagine what we were seeing was real.

I think you’re still wondering whether the Chinese dragons where real or not… you really didn’t know what to think of them!

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

While we were there, we got to hang out with our friends, the Hendricks, who won my ticket giveaway earlier this week.

Our family geniunely had a purely entertaining experience at the circus. I totally would be up for going again. There’s really just nothing else like it.

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

You even got to stay up past your bedtime! You’re one lucky kid…

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)

Dear Jack: Our 1st Time To The Circus- Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS! (In Nashville)