We're planning our first real camping trip as a family next month. Two nights, state park about an hour away. I'm excited but also nervous because my youngest has anxiety and I'm not sure how she'll do away from home. Anyone have tips for introducing camping to kids? What should I not forget? Should...
Spent all Saturday organizing my tackle boxes and rods in the garage. Wife thought I was crazy but man it feels good to actually know where everything is now. Found like 3 lures I forgot I had. Taking the boys out next weekend if the weather holds. Anyone else just lose their mind when they find the...
Been working on getting my garage dialed in and I think we're almost there. Got new workbench set up last weekend, pegboard organized, all my tools actually in one place instead of scattered everywhere. Wife said I could paint it this summer too so that's huge. Planning to set up a decent woodworki...
We got so much stuff we barely use but there are a few things that have been absolute lifesavers. The white noise machine, diaper pail, and this little clip-on nightlight from Target have been way more helpful than the fancy stroller. Trying to figure out what else we might be missing for a 4 month ...
My boy is 6 weeks old and the second I put him down he starts crying. Wife says this is normal but I feel like I'm failing at something. We've tried the bassinet, the crib, even the rock n play. The only way he'll actually sleep is if I'm holding him. Is this just how newborns are or should I be doi...
We started this about 6 months ago. Every night before the kids sleep we all gather and take turns sharing what we're thankful for and what we need prayer for. My 8 year old asked Jesus into his heart during one of these nights without any prompting from us. My oldest was worried about a friend at s...
Picked up a new smoker last month and have been experimenting nonstop. Did a 14 hour brisket last weekend that came out perfect. My neighbor came over and asked if I was running a restaurant. Thinking about smoking a whole hog for the Fourth of July party. Anyone else go full BBQ mode in the spring?
Got a call from the teacher saying my 9yo stuck up for another kid getting picked on. Didn't even hesitate according to the teacher. Took her out for ice cream and told her how proud I was. She's got more guts than I do honestly. Felt like I won the dad lottery today.
Started a rule last year that every Sunday we sit down together for a real meal. No phones, no TV, everyone present. My wife cooks, I carve, kids help with sides. We talk about the week, what we're thankful for, what's coming up. Simple stuff but it's become the thing our family looks forward to. My...
Got a round scheduled for Saturday morning and I couldn't be more excited. Been practicing at the range all week. Probably going to shoot like 110 but thats not really the point. Its just nice to be out there.
Spent years after college trying to be nothing like my old man. Thought he was boring, too practical, always choosing responsible stuff over fun. Fast forward 10 years, I'm married with 3 kids and I'm making the exact same choices he did. Stable job over the cool startup. Weekend soccer games instea...
Spent 4 hours babying a brisket yesterday. Wrapped it, kept the temp steady at 225, and let it rest proper. When I pulled it off and sliced into it, it was perfect. Kids came running when they smelled it and even the picky eater demolished two plates. There's something really satisfying about feedin...
My wife wants to exclusively breastfeed but she's having a really hard time with pain and supply. We're thinking about supplementing with formula but she feels guilty about it. I keep telling her the baby being fed and her being healthy is what matters most. Has anyone else dealt with this? Just wan...
Been trying to get outside more on weekends instead of just being glued to screens. My kids are 4, 6, and 9 so looking for something not too intense but actually interesting. We did that one trail by the state park last month and the kids actually complained less about walking. Anyone have recommend...
Attempting to make homemade pasta from scratch this weekend. Watched like 10 youtube videos and I'm still pretty sure I'm going to mess it up. But my kids asked for it so here we go. Will report back with either triumph or disaster photos.