The Best Way To Read. Ever.

Shane was always the one who took care of bedtime around here--baths, snuggle time and books.  You may remember that in his absence we have been doing the "Goodnight Kisses From Daddy" jar to help keep him 'involved' at bedtime.  Speaking of which, that jar is looking quite different than it did when we started, so maybe an update on that soon.  Anyway, regardless of the nightly chocolate (which Trevor loves), we have still missed Shane very much when it comes to reading bedtime stories together.

Today in the mail, Trevor got a small envelope from Daddy, and I have to say I was over. the. moon. when I saw the United Through Reading sticker on the back of the envelope.  Trevor didn't have any idea what it was, until I plugged it into the computer and let him watch.

 Trevor loved seeing Daddy and having him read to him.  The smile on his face was priceless, and at the end of the video he immediately asked to watch it again at bedtime.

United Through Reading is an initiative that really does accomplish its mission of keeping families who are separated by deployment connected through reading aloud.  The benefits of reading together are countless, both to the child and the family as well.  I am so thankful that we have this opportunity for Shane to stay connected to Trevor while he is gone.  Seeing Trevor so happy and listening him talk back to Daddy and interact as he read the books was priceless--definitely filled a void that we've been feeling here around the house when it is story time.

To find out more about the United Through Reading program, click here.