My Isaiah Joseph,

Happy New Year, baby. It’s 2026, can you believe it? Last night was the first time I stayed up past midnight on New Years since 2012. What can I say, I’m a really fun time. However, we finished the episode and I didn’t need to riot.

We went to the science center today. They had a Stranger Things laser show and I really wanted to go so we got tickets. Ellie and Elijah were all for it, while Lucas wasn’t too sure because Stranger Things itself scares him. Your siblings have never been to a laser show so they didn’t know what to expect. I think they thought it would be the actual stories shown in laser form.

I went to a laser show back around fourth grade when we had a sleepover field trip at the science center. I don’t remember any of the details about it, but I remember being amazed by the show and really enjoying it. As we were sitting there, waiting for the show to start, I’m thinking in my mind about how your siblings are about to make a “core memory”. I was thinking about how years down the line they’d talk about the one time they saw the laser show and how cool it was.

In a hilarious and frankly to be expected turn of events, all three of your siblings hated the whole experience. About five minutes into the show, Elijah said, “Another song? I don’t like this”. At one point, Lucas asked me when it was ending and when I asked her if she was enjoying it, Ellie gave me the most ridiculous “this is the worst thing ever” face she could give me. You know what, though? I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the music, I enjoyed the lights, and I’m glad we went. Next time, I guess I will just go to a laser show alone.

Lucas was telling a story yesterday about how he was in the bathroom and using it, you walked by, said “let me join”, and went it and used it with him. It honestly made me laugh, because of course you did. Lucas also just stuck his fingers in the hot wax and wants you to know that he has “finger bandaids” or “finger armor”, he’s not sure which one you called it.

I’m thankful I wrote to you each day. One of my memories today included a dream that you were in that I didn’t remember having. It’s comforting to look back on.

I love you more than anything, baby boy. Goodnight and sweet dreams.