The best four years

Dear JJ,

Four years ago I started smiling, and it has not stopped. I have enjoyed every stage of your life- from the first time I held your hand to watching you first read gate signs at the airport yesterday. 

Most dads think their children are smart -  but there are two parts of you that I really love:

You get a look in your eye when you are going to tease someone, and love to do that and you are very kind.  At play areas I see you helping smaller children, with care and gentleness. You have this genuine smile, and joy in your life. 

So as you grow and at times life will toss things and you may feel  badly, look back into that part of you - smile, be kind, joke with those you love and know that your life made this dad the happiest his life has ever been. 

Love, 

Dad

I can't always be there

Dear JJ,

Today when your mom called me you were upset because mom didn't want you to lick the tomatoes in the grocery store. You did- and lost the cookie you were promised. You cried for daddy to help, but I just couldn't be there.

Life is like that. As much as I want everything to go well for you, and you to be happy - sometimes it just isn't going to happen.

On the other hand - that you like tomatoes is good taste!

Your first solo ride

Some rides were ok- some rides well, were amazing- you loved the Roller Coaster, Ferris Wheel, but not the Dragon

Always the coolest kid in the group

Mom is still the one you want to share the ride with - and you should,  she's pretty cool