Merry Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

I thought about you both all day long and wondered what kinds of things you had hoped to find under the tree when you woke up this morning. 

I cooked a giant breakfast. Thats what I like to do for Christmas. I made pancakes and biscuits and we all sat around the table and talked. 

I'm wondering about Macaylee learning to drive! Don't be nervous. One day it will be as natural as breathing in and out. You will be a good driver! I know it. It is a big responsibility to drive a car, but I know that you know that and will take care.

I was really proud of your grades when I saw your report cards! So smart, both of you. I am not surprised at all.

I wonder all the time about you both and how you both are. We are closer than ever to seeing one another again, and I cant wait! So much will change in 2016! It is going to be a great year, just wait and see.

I love you both so much! I'm sending you big bear hugs right now! I hold you in my heart until I hold you in my arms again!

With all my hope and love,

Dad

I miss you guys

Hi Ethan and Macaylee!

 I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I just got back from spending Thanksgiving in Washington DC with Magen's family. We went to two Smithsonian museums. I thought about you two and wondered what you would have liked the best. I loved the cars and trains in the Transportation Hall. We saw dinosaurs, mummies, and a dusty Hope diamond..... and lots and lots of people! I even got to see the original Kermit the Frog and C3P0 from Star Wars. 

There was a giant stuffed Grizley bear, too! I couldnt believe how big its paws were. I would NOT like to snuggle with a real one at night! There was a butterfly hall where you could walk through a butterfly garden. Butterflies would land right on you and you had to be careful that one didnt try to hitchhike out on your clothes when you left.

I got to see the Washington monument and we rode the metro subway, which was neat. It was the first time I ever rode a train.

Oh, and I have a beard now! I havent shaved since before Halloween. I wonder if you two would like it or want me to shave it? Maybe that's why I liked the Grizzly bear so much... because I look like one now! Ha!

I wanted you to know how thankful I am that you two are in the world. I miss you and I cant wait to see you soon. I love you both so much! 

Be good and keep being smart in school. I am praying for you every day! Anytime you feel sad or lonely, remember that there is NOTHING in this world that would make me stop loving you and I wish I was giving you a big giant bear hug! I love you both so much!

Hugs, kisses, and hope!

Dad

Happy 15th Birthday, Macaylee!!

I have been thinking about you all day! I hope you got the two cards I sent. You may not have seen it, but those two cards were FULL of hugs and kisses!! 

15! So much is going to happen in the next year! Don't be afraid of change. Changes are good, even the changes that scare or worry you. 

I am always here for you, even though you may not always know that. I pray for you every day. You were uniquly created by God, a wonderful master piece, and I completely adore you.

No matter how grown you get, you will ALWAYS be my Tater Butt and my little Princess. I cant wait until we spend your birthdays together! We are getting closer and closer to that time! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Baby. Your daddy loves you SO much!!

love and hope,

Dad

Paw Paw Budd

I cant wait for you guys to meet your GREAT grandfather, who is pretty great. He lives in Tennessee now, but he used to live in Greensboro.

I went up to visit him and we went to a big family reuinion. There were so many cousins there and fireworks. Everyone asked about you two and cant wait to meet you!

We can go up and meet your great grandpa and your great aunt soon! 

Paw Paw Budd and Great Aunt Edice

Paw Paw and his sweetheart! There was SO much food and fireworks for all the little cousins when the sun went down. You will have fun here!

Me and Paw Paw cooking breakfast together. We both LOVE breakfast.

Paw Paws front porch was a great place to sit and talk.

Paw Paw gives the kind of hugs that last you until the next time you see him. These are the kind I think about giving you all the time! I miss you both but I will be seeing you soon!!!!

Love and Hope,

 Dad

Happy 12th Birthday, Ethan!!

I have been waiting for so long! So much can change now that you are 12! 

I miss you so much, buddy. I hear stories all about you. I am so proud you are my son. 

Im counting down the days, minutes, and hours until I get to hug you and talk to you! I love you so much! 

I sent two cards for your birthday, one to your house and one to your grandpas. I hope you get them both.

You are always in my prayers. Call me ANYTIME you want!! 

love and hope,

Dad

Happy 2015!

My hope for 2015 is that the year will bring us closer to being together again.

Ethan and Macaylee, for 2015 I hope you enjoy school, have lots of happy days, and feel all the love that I send to you every day!

May God bless our 2015 and keep us all safe and happy!

Love,

Dad