Pre-Christmas 2017

Dear Leah and Logan,

While I have always enjoyed the Christmas holiday and even the occasional frosting of cookies, I don't believe I've ever experienced the fun and craziness that we just lived the last 4 weeks!

First, the city of Murfreesboro just put in an outdoor skating rink, so for the very first time, you both got to go ice skating. I'll admit, I hadn't put on ice skates in 10 years, so I was a little scared at first.  We bought a PVC safety rail which you both took turns with, but I think you'll both agree you caught on quickly.  Your rollerskating skills you've been mastering at Skate Center West really came in handy!  After 30 minutes, you were both zipping around the rink with no rack, all the while Polar Express played on a giant outdoor screen. We capped off the night with ice cream and hot chocolate.

Ice Skating @ Fountains at the Gateway

Next up: Breakfast with Santa at Muirwood.  Daddy had to get you both up early on Saturday so we could run to Cracker Barrel to feed the neighborhood breakfast.  I had no idea it was going to be 30 trays of hot food that barely fit in my jeep, but we squeezed it all in.  Santa arrived at 8am, so you 2 got a lot of 1-on-1 time with him before the other neighbors showed up.  I wonder if he knew if you were naughty or nice this year??

Next up:  Gingerbread Houses.   Now, I had never constructed a Gingerbread house, but Amanda and Dylan showed up to our place with 4 houses one night, so we were able to make an entire village.  Each of us had our own approach and style, especially with the roofs.  Afterwards, we had a vote to see whose house was best...there may have been bribery involved with the voting, though. Both of you showed a lot of patience while making your house, and Logan ate a half-pound of white frosting...We did all agree that Amanda's roof was the best :)

After that: Christmas Cookies!  Amanda and Dylan AND the Dewig twins came over for this event, and our group cut out and frosted hundreds of cookies.  You all even managed to get sprinkles all over the kitchen floor!  Santas and candy canes and even a shark! We made so many cookies, we are able to give some to your teachers and your friends.

The Master Cookie Cutters & Frosters

Finally....Amanda and Dylan got us another great gift...'Make Your Own Snow Globes'... Now, I had never even heard of this before, but the instructions were quick and easy, and the 3 of us got to create our own scenic world.  The reindeer in my globe only had one antler, but he didn't seem to bothered by the pain.

And here's the best part...we did ALL of this was BEFORE Christmas even got here!  I feel grateful that you 2 are able to experience so much fun around the holidays with friends and family. I hope you pass that down to your families one day!

Love,

Daddy
December 24, 2017

Fall Soccer 2017

Dear Leah and Logan,

This is just a quick note to say 'Great Job' to Logan for soccer this fall (2017)!  He had over 20 goals in the YMCA U6 league.  But most importantly, he got to play with a bunch of is friends:

From left to right...Candence, AJ, AnnMarie, Logan, Elerie, Noah, & Ben.

The best part about this team is that they came to practice and games with the same energy...even when it got cold and rainy- you all wanted to keep playing!

It helps that your coach is pretty awesome, too! :)

Leah was supposed to be my assistant coach, but mostly she just wanted to sit in a chair and drink gatorade.  :)

See you in the Spring,

Love,
Daddy

Dolphins and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Dear Leah and Logan,

We rock at doing Fall Break!!

Let's back up... after 2 successful trips to Navarre Beach, we decided to try a new beach destination in Santa Rosa Beach because Leah's Kindergarten friend, Kinsley, lives there now.  And, in true Florida weather fashion, it did not disappoint.

Pictures from the amazing trip can be found here: Beach pics Fall Break 2017

So we left on a Saturday again- right after Logan's soccer game. The trip went well and we ended up on the Florida coast around 8pm.  A couple of days earlier, I had been talking to the Chilton family, and to all of our suprise- they ended up coming down to join us.

Olivia, Leah, Liam, Logan- Beach Fall '17

How great was that that we had another family to play with at the beach!!  You 4 played from sun up until sun down on that Sunday! After a long day of playing, we capped it off with some Mexican food and some ice cream!

The Chiltons had to leave on Tuesday, but that didn't stop us from having more fun.  We had perfect weather!

Another highlight of the trip came on Thursday where we drove to Panama City Beach and went to Gulf World...there, we SWAM with DOLPHINS!

It was so awesome, I had to include a bunch of pictures!

We headed out that Friday morning- just as a tropical storm was about to hit the coast...we got out just in time.

You 2 are some travel partners, and I couldn't imagine my beach trips with anyone else!

Until next time,

Love,
Daddy

Start of School Year 2017-18, K & 1

Dear Leah and Logan,

Well, August 2017 arrived quickly after our trip to Michigan, and Boom!  We have a 1st grader and a Kindergartner!!

Leah, you got to meet your 1st grade teacher, plus you know Rockvale Elementary inside and out- so your biggest hurdle was just getting up early again. And since you were already a pro at the school thing, you had time for a little morning modeling shoot right in our driveway. :)

But for Logan- this was his big month- the start of Kindergarten!  I took you to the school a couple weeks ahead of time to do the registration. We got a little bit lucky because Mrs. McGreggor (Leah's old teacher) was at the table and was excited to do your screening test.

After that, it was just a waiting game. A waiting game for August 14, 2017. Actually, I think you've been counting down Kindergarten since April. You pretty much asked every other day through the summer, "How Many More Days 'til Kindergarten?".

And then the day arrived!

Leah, you started 1st grade, 5 days before Logan started, but you wanted to take the bus, so I let you. It didn't take you long to rave about how much you liked Mrs. Massengale's class.

Logan, Rockvale let's the parents walk Kindergartners to class the first week, so I walked you to Mrs. Smith's class Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But then on Thursday, I was ready to ask if you were brave enough to take the bus...and you didn't even hesitate. You walked across the street with your sister and got on Bus #13 like a big boy.  And that was that.

I look forward to hearing about your new school adventures and watch you both grow!

Love,

I'm a Rockvale Rocket

Daddy

Logan's 1st wait for the bus. Aug '17

At the Cabin, July 2017

Dear Leah and Logan,

What a busy, crazy summer we have had!

We took a break from reality and traveled up to Weidman, Michigan, to spend another week at the Cabin.

So. much. fun.

First, the weather was perfect all week. Second, Cousin Rachel was able to make it up with Isaac and Lucas, so you two had playmates all week.

Joining us at the Cabin were:

GiGi. Grandma. Aunt DeeDee and Uncle Mike. Aunt Karen and Uncle Jim. Courtney (and her dogs). Sharyn and her boyfriend Jeff. Uncle Caleb. Patrick and Katie.

And you played, and you played, and you played.

Events of the week included:

1. Coldwater Lake every day.

2. A new fishing spot at the lake (off the docks).

3. 4-Wheeling and mini 4-wheeler.

4. 1,000 S'mores and hot dogs.

5. Both of you perfected the art of hula-hooping.

6. Gigi put on the unicorn helmet. :)


Plus, I decided to take Tuesday and introduce you to some new relatives. We drove up to Port Austin, Michigan (tip of the thumb) to meet Pappy Dale, Grandfather Roy, Aunt Julie, and Aunt Brenda.  While we were in Port Austin, we got to go to Lake Huron and play in an area called 'Broken Rocks' I played there when I was a kid, but I hadn't been there since 1984.  Each of you got to do a little rock jumping into the water.

It was a great, laid-back week, and I'm glad we're all able to take a week out of our summer to explore Michigan and hangout with family.

I'll include a few pictures in this blog post, but here is a Facebook link to the week: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155739140660466.1073741845.624325465&type=1&l=fd5af2c905


P.S. Thank you both for being such great Road Trip kids....should we go to Florida next?

Love,

Daddy

End of School Year, May 2017

Dear Leah and Logan,

Can you believe it? It's May 2017, and the school year is already over. It seems

like just yesterday that Leah was on her first day in Kindergarten and Logan was transitioning to Mrs. Reba's class in Stonebrook.

The festivities began with Logan's first graduation at Stonebrook with the traditional party in the forest. Me, your Mama, Grandma, Grandpa, and Nana were all there to watch. The class chose to have the parents walk each graduate down the path, and then your class put on a singing and dancing show for all of us.

Logan's last day with Mrs. Reba was Wednesday, May 24, 2017.




 Next up was Leah's Award ceremony where you got 'Most Outstanding' in Mrs. McGregor's class.

The day after that, I came to Logan's class to bring you guys pizza for lunch. Your class devoured 2 pepperoni's, a cheese, and a ham pizza.  Your class was a
lot of fun!!




Then came Leah's field day, where your class was divided in in 2 groups: Red team (Leah's) and Blue Team.  Some of the events were: Tug-o-war,

egg-and-spoon relay, and shoe toss.

That week, Leah also said good-bye to one of her best friends, Kinsley, for her Kindergarten year. you met Kinsley on Day 1, and you 2 would later sign up for gymnastics together.  We'll miss her and her family as they move on down to Florida!




Next up was Logan's dinner, program, and graduate at Lascassas Baptist.  I had you dressed and looking sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!  In your program your class sang 3 songs and then you got to walk across the stage. Looking good in your cap and gown!!!!

So what's next?  Well tomorrow....Leah meets her 1st grade teacher....and both of you begin Summer Camp at the YMCA....and I'm sure we'll have a whole summer full of fun stuff.



And for you, Logan?   .................................A ROCKET!!!

Love,
Daddy
May 2017

Back to Navarre Beach!

Dear Leah & Logan,

Wow! when we do Spring Break- we go all out!!   We just spent Spring Break 2017 at Navarre Beach, which has quickly become our family favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155335406390466.1073741842.624325465&type=1&l=c93f63c4d9

Logan's Big 5th Birthday

Dear Leah & Logan,

March 5, 2017, was a BIG, big day for the man in the house.  Logan turned 5!  And with Leah's Disney trip still fresh on our minds, I thought it was only fair to go big your birthday!

I did ask you where you wanted your birthday, but I knew the answer before the words even came out
of your mouth: GO U-S-A!  So me and you got there around 10:30am that morning to start decorating.

The crowd started to arrive at 11:00 am, and Wow! people came from everywhere!

Let me see if I can name them all:

The Fontanetta's (AJ & Aria)
The Graham's (Elerie & Fletcher)
The Cannon's (Cooper)
The Prather's (Cooper)
GiGi, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Daniela, Uncle Caleb
Daddy, Leah
The Tuckers (Brady)
The Floyds (Ava, Jack, and Nancy)
and last but not least The Chiltons (Liam, Claudia, and Olivia)

You kids devoured pizza and ice cream, but not before an hour hitting all the video games in the place.

Please note the dinosaur themed decorations...even the cake and napkins came sporting their own dinosaurs!

After cake and ice cream, there were at least 20 presents waiting for you...including 2 nerf dart guns, puzzles, and some action figures. You cleaned up!!

After the kids started to leave and go home, you were able to get some good family time in. You and Uncle Caleb must have played Jurassic Hunter for 30 minutes...and you also got a Go-Kart ride in with Grandpa!

A great day was had by all!!  We're very blessed to have such supporting and loving family and friends.

I can't believe I have a 5 and a 6 year old!

Love,

Daddy
3/6/2017

Ralphie

Dear Leah and Logan,

One thing you've already figured out for yourselves is that life isn't always smiles and rainbows. Last week was a really sad time for our family as we said good-bye to our loyal dog Ralphie.

Ralphie has had a few health issues the last couple of years, but gosh he sure was a good dog.

When I first met Ralph in 2009, I remember he was considered more than a 'best friend' to your mom and Layne and Julia....he was part of the family. I spent countless hours throwing miscellaneous food at him to get him to sit, shake, and lay down. He'd also sit patiently in the car on roadtrips- just happy to be part of the family.

When you 2 were born, he was like a gentle giant to you both. He would rest on the floor patiently as you both used him for a pillow.  You both went through phases where you wanted wrestle and bounce on him, and he would just let you without even flinching. He protected us and our house- always letting us know when something wasn't right. And he'd hover around the table or at the backdoor just waiting for the possibility for any and all left overs- which he'd polish off in 2 minutes.

When he was in the house, he just wanted to be near somebody. He'd wag his tail and look at you as if to say, "feel free to pet me or give me attention." :)  He was a true family dog.

I know your mama already has Oliver, but nobody will also replace Ralphie.

You're ages 5 and 6 right now, so hopefully you'll grow up with a few memories of a really great family dog.


R.I.P. Ralphie.

Love you both,

Daddy
3/10/17

Christmas Season 2016

Dear Leah and Logan,

We survived another Christmas!!  Christmas 2016 will always have the side-note that every one of us got sick at one point during the week, but we're all fighters so we gutted it out for a great holiday.

First, there was no shortage of Christmas parties at each of your schools. Santa even made visits to both Rockvale and to Stonebrook. (I'm not sure if you told him you were Naughty or Nice??)

Next stop was Christmas Eve, where you 2 jumped in with your cousins at your Uncle Shane and Aunt Amanda's house. They just moved into their brand new house in Franklin, so I'm sure you weren't allowed to touch anything. You came home with lots of presents.

Next....Christmas Day!  Santa decided to show up at Muirwood, and gosh- you 2 sure are lucky. As it turns out, you must have been on the 'Nice' list.

I was actually surprised that both of you took time to open each present nicely and even give each
new toy or game some attention (last year was just a mad dash to open everything in 20 minutes.)

After the grand opening, Christmas morning was spent being lazy and even playing family games like Pop the Pig, Hungry Hippoes, and Twister.

Once we had enjoyed all of our gifts for a bit, we got dressed and headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Again- you guys were spoiled. Uncle Caleb and Uncle Justin were there, and it was basically a lazy night watching movies and stuffing our faces with food that Uncle Justin made.

We're very blessed and fortunate to not only have a great families that love us, but also for all the things we're able to get each other for holidays. Thousands of people out there don't have any family to lean on or much money to spoil themselves with. I just want you two to embrace the foundation of family and always seek opportunities to help the less fortunate.

I love you both.




PS. New Years Eve was jsut spent at the house telling each other we'd stay up until Midnight. Leah, you fell asleep at 10pm. Logan, you made it midnight after playing Wii all night!

Love,

Daddy