Dear Hayden,

Today we celebrated a Pre-Thanksgiving! We had a special family Thanksgiving a few days early because your uncle Darryl is leaving for the Air Force on Tuesday. We’re very excited for him because it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime, but we’re a little sad because we will miss having him in our daily lives. You are sure to be very different the next time he sees you! There’s an important lesson here, and that is that sometimes our dreams (which we have to pursue to become the best versions of ourselves) take us far away from the people we love, but growing separately doesn’t have to mean growing apart. You also had both of your living great grandparents and all four of your grandparents there!

Love you,
Mama

You with Uncle Darryl

With Great Grandma Pat

With Great Grandpa Rog

Hangin’ with Daddy