Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

4 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

Dear Jack,

This year for Christmas, it worked out for our family to spend about 5 days at my parents’ house in Fort Payne, Alabama.

So last Tuesday after I got off work, and after you and Mommy had visited both Primrose and Rainbow daycare facilities as we decide which one to transfer you to once we move into our new house in a month (our closing date is exactly a month from today), we loaded up the 2014 Lexus LX 570 and made our way across the Tennessee state line.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

After we settled in that night (December 23rd), I noticed something:

The Christmas tree’s ornaments serve as a 1980s time capsule.

Those ornaments mainly consist of decorations collected during my childhood.

There are crocheted ornaments clearly displaying the year “1987” on them. There is also an array of ornaments I made in school and church, from 1987 to 1991.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

In fact, the one from 1987, where I am sitting on (a very lousy looking) Santa, features me wearing a McDonald’s sweat suit.

The irony is very present; never knowing back then that I would eventually become a vegan, nor would I have been able really understand what that word even meant back then.

I also noticed a 25 year-old egg shell ornament. Back in 3rd grade, for Christmas 1989, I had made an ornament in Mrs. Lawrence’s class, where we all brought in an egg, poked it with a needle to drain it, then covered it in sparkles, a sticker, and some glue.

Somewhat miraculously, than 25 year-old egg has never cracked or shattered!

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

I also laughed when I saw the Star of David made out of tongue depressors. It helps explain why I always sort of assumed we were Jewish.

And don’t forget the bubble lights! It’s amazing those things still work…

The next morning on Christmas Eve (December 24th), your cousin Calla came over and the two of you both got to open one present early.

She got a Play-Doh factory and you got a really cool Lego set that was a tree house; which contained a Lego treasure map and a pizza!

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

It’s a bit of a blur, but at some point while your Uncle Andrew helped you build the new Lego set, I ended up wearing the top part of a broken sombrero that I think my Great-aunt Jennie had bought for me as a souvenir while visiting Mexico, where her parents were born.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

You were pleasantly surprised when you discovered a Brother Bear figurine of the Berentstain Bears (from a McDonald’s Happy Meal); being that you had just watched on the DVD on the drive there in the car, on the Lexus LX’s built-in system.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

So I guess it’s safe to say in addition to the Christmas tree’s ornaments serving as a 1980’s time capsule, my overflowing collection of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys helped add to that undeniable sense of nostalgia at your Nonna and Papa’s house.

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

Just check out that ice cream cone that transforms into a robot!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: My Childhood Christmas Tree, The 1980s Time Capsule

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

4 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

Dear Jack,

We are currently living with some friends, as the closing date on our new house is about 6 weeks away now.

Karen, the wife and Mommy of the family we are renting space from, is pregnant; her baby is due right about the same time as we are supposed to move out.

Last night at dinner, you asked Mommy and me:

“How do babies get into Mommies’ bellies? From Santa?

We immediately burst out laughing, as did you.

Mommy explained that’s a conversation we’ll have with you when you’re a bit older.

Of course, it won’t be “we,” it will be me that has that talk with you. I’m not afraid. I’m as prepared now as I’ll ever be.

After I gained my composure, I think I responded with something like, “Yeah, I guess Santa does help with that.”

Granted, my answer was technically right; in the same way the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” makes sense.

Of course, I know the real reason you assumed Santa has something to do with babies getting into Mommies’ bellies.

This past weekend, we watched Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! To my surprise, I actually really loved that movie! I wouldn’t mind seeing it every Christmas. You’re at the perfect age to really appreciate a movie like that.

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

However, you’ll always troubled when they say “roast beast” because you always explain: “No, Daddy, it’s supposed to be ‘roast beef’!”

One of our favorite parts was when it showed the Grinch arriving at his parents’ house, riding in a basket floating down from the sky, slowed down by an umbrella which helped guide it down safely.

I think that imagery led you to believe Santa has something to do babies getting into Mommies’ bellies.

You followed up your first question by asking me if Santa is real. I cleverly replied, “Is Batman real?”

You confirmed he is.

I continued: “Well, then Batman is as real as Santa.”

And we’ll just keep it at that for now.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

4 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack,

This past weekend, in between going to Marvel Universe Live, seeing Santa with Sophie, and going to Jacob’s birthday party, we also penciled in some to visit our new house that we are building.

Is Spanking Actually More Effective Than The Alternative?

We started off with lunch at Whole Foods, of course.

You and Mommy had some good times playing around in the back as I enjoyed driving what I have referred to as the “Super Mario cloud,” the Lexus RX 450h, around Nashville.

fun in car

We arrived to see some subtle changes that helped make our new home seem even more like a real house and not simply a construction project.

Is Spanking Actually More Effective Than The Alternative?

There is now a mailbox in front of our house! As long as we’ve lived in our townhouse, nearly 7 years, we’ve never had an actual mailbox.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

But now we will. You can help Mommy and me check the mail. That’ll be fun!

I also noticed that they were actually finishing up the curb there as well. It wasn’t until we pulled away in the Lexus RX 450h that I realized the workers were actually waiting on us to leave so we’d be out of the way to finish the job.

As we stepped into the driveway, we were able to see our new wooden shutters, which I assume may be stained darker by the time the house is finished. I love them!

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

We saw in the garage that our ceiling fans have arrived and will likely be installed in the next couple of weeks.

Inside our house, we noticed the interior doors are now all installed.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

And… the walls are now painted! They are the shade of crème that we chose, contrasted against the white base boards. Eventually, we will probably paint some of the downstairs that willow green color that we used in our townhome.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

We drove back over to the model home and checked in with the in-house agent. You insisted on showing her your new sword from Marvel Universe Live. She was very impressed.

Then you had to check in on the snowman doll, as well as your “pizza parlor” that you hid under the Christmas tree last time we were there.

Linda, the agent, told us that she’s had many visitors curiously ask about that piece of foam under the tree so she has explained that you were behind it being there.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

She also told us that one of the next major changes on our house will be that the hardwood floors and carpet will be put in.

Our closing date is January 29, just about a month and a half from now. It won’t be long until we’re in our new house… as long as everything goes according to schedule.

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

We finished off our visit by driving by preschools in the area. I wonder where you’ll go…

Love,

Daddy

Catch up on the entire series of the Lexus RX 450h Weekend. A lot of exiciting things happened!

2014 Lexus RX 450h 5-DR SUV (DVD Player Equipped): Family Friendly Review

Dear Jack: Marvel Universe Live- Family Friendly Review (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Meeting Santa With Sophie At Bass Pro Shop (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Jacob’s 5th Birthday Party In A Tractor Store (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: The Old Abandoned Silo Tower On Main Street in Spring Hill, TN (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Meeting Santa With Sophie At Bass Pro Shop (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Meeting Santa With Sophie At Bass Pro Shop (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

4 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

Two years ago, when you had just turned 2, Mommy and I took you to go meet Santa Claus for the first time at the Bass Pro Shop in Nashville.

Last year you expressed zero interest in seeing Santa again, so we let you off the hook.

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

But this year, your best friend Sophie just happened to be visiting Nashville again since she moved nearly a year ago, in February.

As expected, you brought your illuminating sword we had bought you the night before at Marvel Universe Live. Just as appropriate on her end, Sophie brought her Anna doll.

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

I enjoyed watching the two you play together in front of the fish tank with your gender-specific toys.

Having still an hour to go before your appointment with Santa, we decided to hang out at the Lexus RX 450h that our family was reviewing this week.

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

With Sophie’s 4th birthday on December 21st, we decided to give her both her birthday and Christmas gifts there in the back of the Lexus; which sort of transformed into a stage, as we parents watched the endearing entertainment.

Your birthday gift to Sophie was very special; a penguin from Whole Foods- the exact same one as you have, who you named Pingy.

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

We still had a solid 30 minutes or so after, so we headed back into Bass Pro Shop to check out the activities for kids; like coloring funny pictures, racing cars, engineering trains, and “hunting.”

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

When it came time to go see Santa, we learned that Sophie is troubled by gloves; she just doesn’t like them.

So I explained to Santa and he agreed to remove them for the picture, which he gladly agreed to as he did his best to hide the confused look in his eyes and as I tried not to laugh. Notice the picture below of him removing them…

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

As you can see from the picture at the very top, Santa was wearing no gloves for the picture of you and Sophie on his lap.

And of all random things, the one and only thing you asked Santa for was… a pinball machine.

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

Yes, a pinball machine. Granted, our new house is going to have more space than our town house that we’ve been living in all these years, but still, I don’t think you’re exactly sure of what a pinball machine really is.

Turns out, I learned that last week your teacher Ms. Michelle created a pinball machine concept for your class to play with. So that’s where you got the idea. Now to figure out how I’m going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling “small pinball machines”…

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

Fun and unforgettable memories were made, that’s for sure. And if it all works out, we’ll be visiting Sophie again the day after Christmas, while reviewing another Lexus.

Love,

Daddy

Catch up on the entire series of the Lexus RX 450h Weekend. A lot of exiciting things happened!

2014 Lexus RX 450h 5-DR SUV (DVD Player Equipped): Family Friendly Review

Dear Jack: Marvel Universe Live- Family Friendly Review (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Meeting Santa With Sophie At Bass Pro Shop (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Jacob’s 5th Birthday Party In A Tractor Store (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: The Old Abandoned Silo Tower On Main Street in Spring Hill, TN (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

I've been wondering all weekend why Jack asked Santa for a pinball machine. In fact, it was the only thing he asked Santa for. Today when I picked Jack up from school, I learned why. His teacher Ms. Michelle created one for their class to play with. Now to figure out how I'm going to arrange that with Santa. Time for me to start Googling "small pinball machines"...

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abbi’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

4 years.

Dear Jack,

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

I mentioned how you chose to wear your “super hero costume” to open your birthday gifts from Mommy and me when you turned 4 a few weeks ago; having received the outfit as a gift from your friend Madison at your Lego birthday party at Bricks 4 Kidz.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Well, this weekend you were quite excited when Mommy and I learned that Abbi’s birthday actually had a costume theme.

While I tried to convince you just to wear your Ninja Turtle hoodie and be Donatello, you insisted on wearing your costume from Madison.

The logistical problem with that is that we had already boxed it up in our storage unit, as our new house should be ready by the end of next month.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Mommy was up for the challenge so we loaded up in the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe we have been driving this week, as we await the news of whether or not my own car will be totaled thanks the albino deer that hit me on the way home the night before Thanksgiving.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Something really cool about every Hyundai I have reviewed is that basically the entire ceiling is a moon roof. You love that! You love being able to see so much of what’s going on.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Mommy’s favorite feature of the Santa Fe is the heated seats, especially this time of year.

My favorite thing about it is the size. Now more than ever, I like a good strong SUV that help protect me in the event I get hit by another albino deer. Hyundais are just nice vehicles anyway, as I’ve been quick to mention in my other reviews of them.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Speaking of safety, I also really appreciate the Blind Spot Detection System, which alerts me anytime another vehicle or object is getting dangerously close to me. (After having recently been hit by a deer, this is something I’m quite sensitive to this days!)

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

And not to mention, the back-up camera saves me a lot of worries too. (See below the relevant song that happened to come up on XM radio this week while we were driving the Santa Fe.)

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Well, thanks to Mommy’s supreme packing skills, she was able to pull up the door of our storage unit, then immediately open up the box with your super hero costume! You then curiously asked about your monster trucks- she found that box too.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Before Abbi’s birthday party, we decided we should stop by our new house which is still under construction and see the latest updates.

Afterwards, as part of our tradition, we stopped by the model home so you could say hi to the in-house real estate agent. You had hidden a piece of foam (which you refer to as your “pizza parlor”) in the bushes and decided to crawl under the Christmas tree as a gift… because that’s normal for 4 year-old boys, I assume. (See top picture, again.)

When we arrived to Abbi’s party, we were greeted by hens, which we fed some dried worms to.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

Once we walked inside the house, I was glad we had found your costume beforehand, because I realized your Ninja Turtle hoodie wasn’t quite enough for this costume-themed party.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

You kept your eye mask on the entire drive and at least the first 30 minutes of the party.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

And of course, your friend Madison (who gave you the costume) was so happy to see you wearing it. (Pictured below.)

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

You were lucky: you basically got to have an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet while we were there.

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

So we decided having dinner at Whole Foods would be a good way to offset that, but first we stopped to see some Christmas lights along the way.

Needless to say, we had a really fun week in the Santa Fe. And you especially had fun, being a super hero the whole time!

Love,

Daddy

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abby’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Standard Features:

5 year/60,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty

10 year/100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty

7 year/Unlimited mile and Perforation Warranty

5 year/Unlimited mile Roadside Assistance

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

Advanced Safety Technology:

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Traction Control

ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution & Brake Assist

Blind Spot Detection System

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

Powertrain Technology:

3.3 L Gasoline Direct Injection V6 Engine

290 Horsepower @ 6,400 RPM

Fuel Economy:

21 MPG average: 18 city/25 highway

Annual fuel cost: $2,500

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe