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Settling Into the Rhythm of Life
Mighty Dads News Letter

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The Anticipation of Summer
As the 23-24 school year ended, I found myself eagerly awaiting the arrival of summer. My mind filled with images of lounging beside the pool beneath Colorado’s vast skies, relishing the slower rhythm of the season, and carving out quality time with my kids. The prospect of unhurried days and cherished family moments gave me a sense of peace, and I looked forward to embracing all that summer typically promises.
However, our plans quickly changed when my wife was unexpectedly laid off after 18 years at the same company. Suddenly, our future felt uncertain. While I appreciated having more time together, financial worries loomed large. Despite these challenges, we managed to navigate that difficult season.
Remarkably, on the very day our kids returned to school, my wife started a new job at Zillow. This fresh start gave me the chance to rediscover my own routine and focus on meaningful projects.
Finding Stability Amid Summer’s Changes
As the months of summer passed, our daily routines shifted with each new twist the season brought. I often found myself seeking out steadying rituals: a quiet morning walk, a shared breakfast, or simply a few peaceful minutes before the household stirred to life. There were days, too, when the temptation to sleep in won out, and the morning’s rhythm became a little less defined. These small, grounding habits offered a sense of balance amidst the ever-changing flow of activities.
The summer was marked by spontaneous backyard games with the kids and lingering conversations beneath the gentle glow of patio lights late into the evening. In these moments, I realized how even simple routines held the power to center us, allowing family life to flourish despite uncertainty. The blend of structure and spontaneity gave our days a unique rhythm, helping me appreciate the value of everyday rituals as anchors for both me and those I love.
Through it all, I learned that showing up, even in small ways, for my family and friends was what truly built resilience. Each week brought new challenges and joys, and I realized that embracing the unpredictable was the kind of strength one that prepared me for the inevitable return to routine and the comfort it would bring.
ADHD and the Need for Structure
For me, living with ADHD means that routine isn’t dull essential. Any disruption throws off my entire sense of balance. With two young children and a teenager at home, predictability is a rare luxury.
I like to think of structure as a rubber band: it can stretch to accommodate life’s surprises, but it always snaps back into place. This summer put that elasticity into the test, and more than once, I found myself wondering how I’d drifted so far off course.
During all this, I started to appreciate how the structure we carve out, however imperfect anchors us as parents. Even spontaneous moments seem sweeter when there’s a rhythm to return to, a sense of belonging and purpose that helps us weather unpredictability.
As routines re-emerged with the start of the school year, I found renewed energy in the familiar cadence: lunchboxes packed, reminders exchanged, evening walks to recap our days. These small acts of consistency allowed me, and the other dads, to not only support our families but also to create space for adventure, connection, and growth. That sense of stability set the stage for some of our summer’s most memorable highlights.
Top 5 Summer Moments
Tuesday Nights at Cherry Creek Reservoir – Families came together for dinner by the water while the kids had sandy, splashy fun until sunset.
A Day at Pirate’s Cove – Water slides, lazy rivers, and a whole lot of laughter made this one of the best group outings of the season.
Bellview Park Adventures – From riding the miniature train to feeding animals at the petting zoo, the kids couldn’t stop smiling—and neither could we.
Pool Days & Playdates – Whether it was cooling off at the pool or backyard get-togethers, the kids wore themselves out, and we got the chance to kick back with other dads.
Everyday Connections – It wasn’t just the big outings. The best part was how often our families showed up for each other—sharing meals, swapping stories, and building bonds.


Looking Ahead: Fall Opportunities
If you missed out on the summer fun, there’s no need to worry this fall brings fresh chances to get involved. The upcoming activities offer everyone in our community a welcoming space to connect, participate, and share in the excitement. Whether you’re a regular or new to the group, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join in and make lasting memories.
Fantasy Football with Mighty Dads
This fall, a few of us kicked off a Fantasy Football League—and it’s already proving to be a blast.
It’s more than just tracking stats and smack talk. It’s about finding something we all enjoy, building camaraderie, and creating another way to connect beyond the usual playdates and BBQs. Whether you’re a football junkie or just in it for fun, the league is a reminder that shared interests can help strengthen the bonds between us.
What’s Coming This Fall
Coffee at the Park – Starting Sept 13
Centennial Park, 9:00 AM. Bring your kids, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s connect while they play. The more we gather, the easier it is to grow this community.Poker Night – Late September / October
A friendly buy-in, plenty of laughs, and a good excuse for dads to hang out. Details are coming soon.Nick’s Garden Fall Festival – Date TBD
A family favorite! Pumpkins, hayrides, and fall fun for the kids. We’ll lock in the date soon.Fantasy Football League – In Full Swing
Drafts are done, the season is rolling, and bragging rights are already on the line.
Got Ideas? Let’s Make It Happen
Fantasy Football only came together because one dad reached out. We threw it together in a pinch before kickoff, and now it’s another way we’re connecting. Some of the guys recently hit up a gun range and grabbed drinks afterward. Things are already happening—and you can be part of it too.
This isn’t just about events. It’s about building a movement of dads who show up for each other, have fun, and make memories with our kids. Come be part of it.
Thanks for reading
Jason Townsend