Letters to my Kids (& lots of pictures)

Dear Catie, Sam, Elisabeth, and Nate…

Here’s what I know: each of you loved our family vacation.

Here’s what else I know: one day, when you all are nineteen, sixteen, sixteen, and thirteen, you might not love spending two weeks with Dad and me.

When that happens, and we have to bribe you with trips to NYC for you to spend time with us, let’s all remember this quaint family trip to see farms and lakes and relatives.

If you’re reading this as a teenager, these pictures will surely spark some good memories.

Like this picture, which will make you realize your mom carried all your snacks and water bottles and diapers on her back like a pack horse. So, ten years from now, when I’m bent over like a hunchback, feel free to lug around my prescription pain meds in your own backpack while we all traipse around Times Square.

Also, remember visiting your Gigi and Papa and Uncle Todd in Kansas. Remember how surprised we were to find a part of the country that was NOT 120 degrees? And how about all those trains?

Elisabeth, you rode this horse like a boss. I don’t want to hear about how you’re afraid of things. Because I saw just how brave you can be. FOREVER, kid.

Sam, you did everything at Deanna Rose Farmstead like a boss. Thanks for your enthusiasm that made our trip so fun. Remember: no becoming cynical when you’re a teenager. Got it?

Also, let’s never forget all the treats we ate on our trip. Ice cream at most meals, Popsicles, and random bits from gas station aisles. No matter where our family travels to in the years to come, we will always find a common bond over some drippy ice cream cones.

Nate, you’ve got the swagger. I don’t know another toddler who can manage a goat pen and a bottle like you. And you did it in diapers.

Sam, I’m guessing you won’t remember this moment. But I will. During the one-room schoolhouse tour, you asked the tour guide, “So, could the teacher talk about Jesus in this school?’

Maybe it was because we weren’t in Bible belt anymore, but she seemed confused. “What do you mean?” she asked. So, as is your way, you asked your question louder. The tour guide never really answered your question.

Keep up the questions, buddy. Even when they confuse the heck out of everyone around you.

Don’t forget about this festive ride. Our family, your cousins and Grandma and second cousins and second cousins once removed. About a dozen of us of us, riding in the back of a truck intended for far less people. Remember us NOT throwing beads or candy in the parade. This is what family bonding looks like, kids. Cherish it.

Here’s your beloved Great Grandma with each of you. Remember her hugs. They are the best.

Catie, are you and Kate roommates at Concordia? If you are, and you are beautiful, sophisticated young women, don’t forget this summer when you were happy with fishing poles, bare feet, and sandy bathing suits.

And don’t forget about how you wanted to (and almost did) spend every minute together…telling the world you would be Best Friends Forever.

Speaking of fishing, Catie. If you ANYTHING but a professional fisherwoman these days, I’ll be disappointed. Because, as Daddy told you over the trip, you have FISHING FEVER, baby.

Remember all these fun times with your cousins…doing completely CRAZY stunts like climbing on old train tires (if that is, actually, what these are). Let’s not do anything else crazier with these guys when you’re teenagers? Promise?

Oh! And always remember how you loved to carry Emmy around, Catie. And how she always let you do it.

And don’t forget, Sam and Elisabeth about how many times you begged to marry each other. Actually, let’s change this one. You can forget about marrying each other any time now.
Truly, it’s time to let the dream die.

Oh! And tubing! You two daredevils remember all your back flips off the tube. Sam…especially yours, which were usually in the middle of the lake.

One day, when you all can ski as well as your dad, remember the countless times Papa pulled you around the lake, while you “learned.” And remember how your dad “skied”around the lake on his knees, holding you up. Again, this is the reason we may need prescription pain meds in the future.

Then, remember this old guy. And how impressed you were with his skiing skillz.

But most of all, remember those couple weeks in the Midwest, when we laughed, and lived, and loved spending time together so much.
Which reminds me, if we’re ten years in the future, Dad and I are celebrating our twenty-five year anniversary next week. How about a trip to Italy all together? You guys pay for this one.
Love,
Mom

2 Responses

Anonymous

July 17, 2013 at 4:10 pm


What a fun vacation. Seemed busy at the time, but we got some great pictures and stories. And even a few pictures of Tina for a change:)
Paf Dvorak

June 25, 2014 at 8:36 am


I just buried my mom (and boy did she put up a fight!…jk) She left behind hundreds of photographs, with no names, dates or information written on the back of any of them.
I’ll keep them for a little while but will eventually just toss them because I have no way to know who they even are.
So don’t leave your kids a bunch of useless photos!

Letters to my Kids (& lots of pictures)

Christina

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