Fireworks, family and fun

I am a big fan of passing on traditions to my children.Growing up, we would go over to my grandparents’house to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Holtz kids playing musical beds

There is a little project happening in the Holtz house.Kimberly is rearranging kids’ bedrooms, and that has led to a game of musical beds. Much like musical chairs, you do not want to be the last kid trying to figure out where you’re supposed to sleep.

Sports memories worth passing down

I learned something new over the weekend: Old sporting events still live on YouTube.I don’t watch nearly as many sports on television as I used to.

The safe bet

Charlie is wrapping up his 8U baseball season next week, and I’ve enjoyed getting to watch him play this summer.All of my kids are active, but sometimes I think Charlie is on another level. He sprints to first base before every inning.

The great popsicle debacle

A couple of weeks ago I made a tactical error while shopping at one of those big membership warehouses.Kimberly and I made the trip together and she wanted to get the kids a sweet treat. I spotted a box of popsicles and noticed they were on sale.Rookie mistake.

Math lesson leaves me dazed and confused

It is an interesting time to be alive.Technology changes so fast that it feels outdated seconds after you finish a system update. Every year phones get smarter, televisions get thinner and somehow cars now beep at you for things you did not even know were possible.

Your guy lost . . . now what?

One of the hardest lessons to teach kids is that they do not always get their way.My wife is not a short-order cook. The kids do not get to order breakfast off a menu. Sometimes they are not overly excited about the options in front of them.

Holy free books, Batman!

I am not the biggest reader — which might sound strange for someone who works with words for a living. The jokes write themselves.If I’m being honest, I don’t remember the last time I read a book cover to cover. I skim newspapers, I read for work, but sitting down with a novel? It’s been a while.

While I overthink, Timmy just talks

I am always second-guessing myself.I’ve written the opening to this week’s column six times. I’ve had six different topics. If I’m honest, I’m not sure this version will even get beyond a couple of paragraphs before I delete the whole thing and start over.It’s not about being overly cautious.

WANTED: I’m looking for a new team to support

Wanted: A professional sports franchise I can throw my support behind.I grew up not too far from Chicago in the 90s. I got to watch the Chicago Bulls during their glory years, watching players like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.