Year 5, Day 302

As usual, Christmas brings with it a return to my boyhood home in Myrtle Beach. Even with a drive that took far longer than it should have (with the inclusion this year of a dog), Miles was all smiles as he walked up to the door of my parents' house last night. I was sort … Continue reading Year 5, Day 302 →

Year 5, Day 300

For all the talk of mail delays and supply chain issues, one thing remains true -- Santa Claus is still number one in the game. Today, just a couple days after mailing his letter, Miles received a reply from the Big Guy himself. Personally, I would've liked to see a bit more admonishment for Miles's … Continue reading Year 5, Day 300 →

Year 5, Day 296

Today, Miles composed (and/or dictated) his letter to Santa Claus. Never mind the fact that Miles has had at least two encounters with Santa already this holiday season; after all, you never know when last-minute inspiration will hit. Fortunately, there's a drop off box for North Pole mail right here in our neighborhood!

Year 5, Day 281

This evening, we headed over to downtown Huntersville (we are locals now, and should probably act more like it) for the town Christmas festival. Featuring outdoor vendors, carnival rides (that, of course, Miles liked the idea of more than the actual riding of), and, thankfully, beer vendors, it was a nice way for us to … Continue reading Year 5, Day 281 →

Year 5, Day 196

For anyone wondering how Miles's drawing is progressing, he brought this picture home from school today: When asked if this was a picture of our house, Miles responded in the negative. "It's the house where Brie was," he clarified (meaning the home of our neighbor who was watching Brie while I was at work last … Continue reading Year 5, Day 196 →

Year 4, Day 304: Christmas 2021 In Review

As improbable as it might seem, Christmas Day actually started at a respectable hour (7 AM) for us, thanks in no small part to Miles not falling asleep until after 1:00 the night before. He was eager to get to the living room and see what Santa had left for him, but he didn't really … Continue reading Year 4, Day 304: Christmas 2021 In Review →

Year 4, Day 300

Well, Miles is still waking up in the night, but at least 1) he doesn't lead off with the banging and screaming, opting instead to attempt to get our attention in a more controlled voice and 2) "the middle of the night" is now more like "really early in the morning." Four consecutive hours of … Continue reading Year 4, Day 300 →

Year 4, Day 296

Meeting Santa Claus and giving the big guy a piece of your mind is an essential part of growing up (depending on your belief in either Christian holidays or capitalism), and thankfully our friends Jeff and Arianne...er...hosted St. Nick for the second year (Santa's trying to stay away from big crowds during a pandemic, after … Continue reading Year 4, Day 296 →

Year 3, Day 305: Christmas 2020 in Review

For a holiday spent in isolation, Miles's third Christmas managed to be frenetic, loud, and (fortunately) filled with joy. Christmas started early in our house, as Miles woke up at 3 AM and started yelling, "DADDY! I WANNA READ A BOOK, DADDY!" Groaning, I staggered down the hallway to his bedroom and immediately began pleading … Continue reading Year 3, Day 305: Christmas 2020 in Review →

Year 3, Day 303

Around 8:45 today, Miles bounded into our home office, interrupting my morning meeting. "Daddy!" he called. "Santa's in Australia!" Indeed, Miles was eager to sharpen his burgeoning cartography skills today as he tracked the fat man on his journey around the world. With his own globe, a copy of My Very Important World, and the … Continue reading Year 3, Day 303 →