Have we talked about basketball yet??

 Have to admit, I was a little surprised when you said you wanted to play basketball this year - I didn't even know 3rd grade basketball was a thing! Well, boy was I even more surprised when you had your first game and made a basket! You were one of the best ones on the court and scoring became a regular thing for you - I didn't score my first basket until 7th grade!!! The pride I felt seeing you play with such skill and confidence made me cry on the spot. 

Not sure what to call this

It's been a weird couple years. I haven't really been going to work - I've been working from home. I can't help but think that is confusing for you and Benny since I'm here a lot but can't spend that extra time with you. I'm thankful that we get to see each other A LOT more since I don't have to drive and I'm here when you get off the bus most days. But I just hope we all look back at this as a positive time.

I think my favorite part of the day is driving you and Benny to school. I like that time and that I get to spend a few extra minutes with you instead of you getting on the bus. We listen to Kids Place Live and I think it helps everyone start the day better. I know I'm hard on you guys in the morning some times, but its realllly hard to get you moving sometimes....

Christmas 2021

So just when things started getting back to normal, COVID started to surge again this winter. Mask mandates back at school and they even gave you a couple extra days at Thanksgiving break to try to slow things down. Mom and I haven't really liked that since there's really no good reason to have you both in masks. 

Anyway, I want to start a tradition with you and Benny to do a Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving. I got you both out to the track for a little bit this year, but I think we'll be ready for the real thing next year!

Later that day at Auntie's for dinner

This was "stories with Santa" at Holy Name high school. They still aren't doing breakfast like they used to, but it was fun to play some games inside the school and get some great pictures with Santa. Look how big you are on his lap 😢

I really wanted to do something special with you this year since last year was kind of a flop with COVID. So I took you to see A Christmas Carol downtown at a real play. It was really fun to get dressed up with you and take you on a "date." We met up with Benny and Mommy for dinner that night. 

Christmas Morning! Trying to think what the biggest presents were this year. You got an American Girl doll, LOL Surprise doll and Benny got a big gumball machine and Spiderman remote control car. But the biggest surprise was.... a trip to Disney! More to come on this later :) 

Got out for some skiing around the New Year 

 

Spy Kids

 I took the day off today because you and Benny had off. We played Spy Kids in the backyard 😆

First Camping Trip!! (September)

I've been dying to take you both camping this year. Not sure why - I just knew that you would both love it, and you did! We only stayed for one night, but we all took Monday off (you me and Benny) and spent one day/night at Findlay Lake State Park.  It was a beautiful campground and we had the most perfect site.  

You and Benny had 4 hot dogs each on this trip - Mostly just cooked them right in the fire pit! This was a fantastic trip, and now I can't stop thinking about when we'll be able to go again! My favorite part is how you and Benny are so interested in nature and just exploring and would never be bored doing something like this even if there is no TV or phone.

This was our setup - Back under the trees, perfect weather and temperature. I slept on an air mattress with Benny and you had your own all to yourself. We slept great! (See the Luggable Loo by the tent??) 

 

First Day of 3rd Grade Tomorrow!!!

 Oh wow! What can I say - This summer has flown by (I have some catch up posts to make). Mommy goes back tomorrow too and Benny starts kindergarten on Thursday. You will both be on the bus together at the same school for the first time! And you're both so excited about it - And I should have some great pictures.

You're going to be so great in 3rd grade. You're smart, polite, friendly, and an amazing girl. I'm so proud to be your dad and Benny, Mommy, and I are lucky to have you. 

These pictures go backwards, but I'll explain them all!

This is Huntington Beach - I took you and Benny there for the day and you dug around in the sand and we played in the water. Tried out the metal detector but it thought everything was metal... Was a hot day, but any time I can take a day off of work and spend it with you two is the best day ever.

For Father's Day, we took a big hike. I love going on adventures with you both and this was a good one. We looked and looked for a place to play in the river and after a mile or two of hiking, we found one!

One of the first things we did this summer was take a trip to Columbus. We stay at this cool hotel where they let you fill up your own pop for free whenever you want and give you free dinner. It also has a pool and nice rooms.

At the Columbus Zoo we were able to pet the stingrays!

Doing our best pirate impressions - Arggg!

The first day of summer happened to be National Donut Day - The donut store was giving away free donuts and gave us extra ones because I had my COVID vaccine...

Winter and Father Daughter Dance

Every chance I get to spend some dedicated time with you, I take it! And one of my favorite things about you is that you'll try almost anything, and then after you try it you want to get better at it instead of giving up. Skiing, swimming, badminton, juggling, everything! So we ski as much as we can in the winter. We just go on the local slopes but I hope this year or some day soon we can all go to a cool ski area in Vermont or Colorado or something. 

Even Benny started skiing this year!

Father Daughter dance - Got delayed a little this year because of COVID, but still one of my favorite days of the year :)