Dear Joe,
I really enjoyed our visit last week, and I think your house is terrific. I never saw so many  toys as you have in the basement.

I really want you to know that I WON THE PILLOW FIGHT! You can have a rematch next time.

When you come, if the weather is nice, we will set up the tent.

Be well and listen to mom and dad.

Papa loves you

Hey Mr. Joe

Joe,
It was really great having you here over the Thanksgiving holiday. Seeing you get off that train made me happy, and I enjoyed your energy. I hope that next time we can get you into a kayak. Meanwhile, I bet you are excited to be moving into a house with a yard.

It will be nice to be able to just head out the door to play where mom can keep an eye on you.

Let me know how you're doing, and remember...

Papa loves you.

Dear Joe,
I really had fun listening to grandma's stories of her visit with you, and I am anxious to see you and your two room mates next month. I can see in the pictures and on the computer that you are changing and growing quickly.

Let me know what you want to do when you are here. I can let you float in a kayak near shore. We can set up a tent in the back yard, or just aggravate the neighbors.

I miss you, so come fast.

Papa loves you.

Dear Joe,
I miss you, but Mom keeps me posted with phone pictures so I can see how you are growing. I hope you will remember the wonderful wedding weekend when we were all just together.
Wasn't it fun? Oh man, how all the little gals wanted to dance with you. One day you will get the hugeness of this. Come see Grandma and me soon.

Papa loves you.

Dear Joseph,
I was so happy to hear that you had a good check up at the doctor's today. It also sounds as if you are getting used to living in Maryland and near Washington, DC. It seems that you and Mom and Dad have found lots to do. I especially like the gardening you do.

Tell mom to keep sending those phone pictures. It makes it feel like you aren't so far away.

Papa loves you.

Dear Joseph,
I was teaching kayaking yesterday and, when I turned on my phone, there were lots of pictures from your mom. It looks like you two had a great day. I especially liked the one of you and the banjo player. I'm glad that you are finding things to do in your new city. It looks like it is going to be a lot of fun to live there.

Grandma and I look forward to seeing you for your birthday. Remember, you're flying home with us so we can play here in Milwaukee. Don't forget, we plan on setting up a tent or two.

Papa loves you.

Dear Joseph,
I know it is hard to adjust to a new home. After all, you have moved a long distance and have gone from living in a house to living in an apartment. On the other hand, look at the really neat area you are living in now. You and mom and dad have been to the monuments and Smithsonian already.

I enjoyed our drive out and visiting the monuments when I was there. It brought back a lot of memories of the time I lived in D.C.. For now, I hope you find a really good school with nice kids, just like back in Cincinnati. I know you will. When you do, please write or call me about it.

Right now, the most important thing is that you are back together as a family. I know you missed dad a lot, so you can spend lots of time with him now. Just remember:

Papa loves you (too).