You want logistics? Try helping Sophi, Lexi and Elli go trick-or-treating!
Love,
A Tired Dad
Dear Sophi:
Just because the unmatched sock basket is right next to the dryer and provides a nice step, doesn't mean it's OK for you to climb in.
Love,
A guy who will respond quicker the next time he hears "I need help to get out of here!!!"
Dear Parker, Jake and Cole:
Glad you're not too old to dress up for Halloween. Love the "I-wore-this-when-I-was-three" costumes, by the way.
Love,
Mr.-I-have-one-Halloween-costume-and-wear-it-every-year.
Dear Family:
Somebody tell Lex that the cowboy hat could be worn a little further up on her head.
Love,
The man with his hands full on the other side of the picture;)
Dear Bathroom Garbage:
True story...I emptied you THIS MORNING!!!
Love,
Wondering why I even try.
Dear Taylor:
In all seriousness, thanks for being our first-born. Mom used to call me a Holiday Grinch. For some reason I would get really uptight on holidays. Easter had to do with camping in rather cold, dusty conditions. Mother's Day I felt inadequate to take care of Mom to the level I should, so I just kind of gave up on it altogether. Christmas I was grinchy during the couple of months building up to it. I had a hard time watching all of that money go to Walmart, Target, etc. Then I had a tendency to be grinchy on Christmas Day itself if all of the wrapping paper didn't end up in the wrapping paper box I had prepared. On birthdays I could get pretty grumpy if the kids crowded too close to you for me to take pictures while you were opening presents. And then there was Halloween. For some reason I would always have a meltdown. Even at age three I expected you to be perfect while trick-or-treating. If you didn't talk clearly, say thank you, and stay off the grass, I would let you have it. Ah, the trials and tribulations of being the oldest. Thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for your forgiveness.
As I took Lexi and Sophi out tonight, I realized that I have come ever so far. I think I have earned 25 years worth of patience over the last five. For a solid two years now, holidays have been great. I love Eastering, regardless of the weather. Christmas with our bunch is going to be expensive-so accept it! And Halloween. Not to toot my own horn, but I am about as patient, sweet and loving as a Dad could be. It's not that no one really cares if Lexi accidentally steps on their lawn. Or that people are so mesmerized by Sophi that they don't notice if she says "Trick-or-Treat," let alone "Thank You." No, it's because I have learned so much about what is important in life. And you, my son, are important. I have only five more Halloweens before you move on to bigger and better things. I have only five more Easters before you go on a mission and then to college. The time is running out, and I have finally learned to simply enjoy it. Thanks for putting up with me while I was figuring it all out. And thanks for helping me see it, so I have many more years with Sophi and Lexi and Elli and Jess to just enjoy the journey. You are one of my closest friends. I love you.
Love,
Dad
