The One With Snowmobiling

 

 

 

For the second straight year, we went snowmobiling with Northern Extremes in North Conway. Last year, we had an amazing time as a family going for our first every snowmobiling event. So, when the time came up this year to do it, we were all in.

 Unlike last year, we had an idea what to expect - a fun filled ride through closed roads in the White Mountains. What could be better than that. Well, as we found out, we were fortunate to have our same guide from last year - Parker. He is awesome and wanted to make sure it was a fun time for all.

 While we doubled up last year (Kiff driving with me, and Bri driving with Emmie), this year Bri had her own snowmobile (Kiff went with Emmie). That made for a fun adventure. She was a little timid at first - which we thought would happen - which is why I ended up behind her, in case she needed help. However, as time progressed, she got into the swing of things. However, she did go airborn not once but twice when she hit a bump - which did cause her to be a little cautious a few minutes after that.

 The snow was a little bit softer this time around, which made for a great ride. It was also deeper than last year, and led to some bumpy spots (Kiff and Emmie knocked helmets). We also saw were able to move a little faster than last year, going on an extra loop (called Albany Brook) that we didn't do last year.

It was a fantastic trip and one we can't wait to do next year when Kiff will be able to drive.

 

 

The One With Captain America and the Brave New World

 

 

The ultimate way to spend a Valentine's Day is with Captain America - or at least the original one (which Emmie would agree with).

 

Although the reviews coming in about the movie were poor, we were still looking forward to it.  And, the movie did not disappoint. Clearly this movie is about relaunching the next chapter of the MCU (Phase 6 will be coming up soon). The movie made it a point - several times - to explain that President Thaddeus Ross was asking Captain America to form the Avengers again. The other two Hulks, including Ross's Red Hulk, were in the movie. The Winter Soldier made an appearance (his character is running for Congress). And, their is a new Falcon.

 

Overall, it was a great movie.

 

 

The One With Murray

 

 

Tonight we went to Boston to see Impractical Joker James - Murr - Murray host a comedy show at Laugh Boston.

 

Now, it is the first time we ever went to Laugh Boston, which is in the Seaport at the Westin Hotel (which is like its own city). However, it probably won't be the last. We did learn a valuable lesson....try to get a table instead of premium seating. The tables are a little small.

 

However, the show was phenomenal. Murr broke it down into two parts. The first part was humorous story telling, about the show, about his life, about his encounters with Ring doorbell security, and some of the "oops" moments he has had on the show. The second part is audience participation. He borrows peoples' phones (with their permission) and sends funny texts...then helps undue any hiccups he caused. Then, he sends out his cohost - and one of the Impractical Joker crewmembers - to do similar challenges on the show.

 

It was an amazing time. It last 90 minutes, but the time flew by. We even had him pass in front of us, which was pretty cool. And, we also found out they will be releasing a movie based on one of Murr's books  this fall. Super cool show and a super cool time. Even Emmie, who is not a huge fan of the show, loved it.

 

 

The One With Dancing with the Stars

 

 

Tonight, we did something I had wanted to do for a while....we went to the Boston viewing on Dancing With the Stars. Having watched the show for a long time - and knowing how much our family and my parents loved it - I was eager to see what it was like.

 

First things first - it was a high intensity blast of fun. The dancers were amazing, the dancing itself was stunning, and it was a whole lot of fun. The crowd was definitely into it, including the young females who were big fans of Alan and Gleb. Bri enjoyed seeing Alan, who she met at a dance competition when she was much younger. Kiff was excited to see Rylee. And, I am always a fan of  the host, Emma. 

 

Not only was there so much dancing backed into a two hour show - with a short intermission - there were so many different genres of dance and music for the audience that everyone, young and old could enjoy it. And there definitely was a multi-generation audience.

 

Here's looking forward to seeing another one in the future.

 

The One With the Celtics vs. Kings

 

 

This Friday, we went as a family to the Celtics game. It was a Christmas gift from Emmie for all of us.

Now, truth be told, the Celtics have been a little flat this season. They actually were returning home from a 3-1 west coast road trip. They had looked good, so I was hoping they would be. But, they came out looking awful against the Kings...and got blown out. They were so bad, they were booed...and they deserved it.

While the game was atrocious, the actual experience was not. We started the evening off eating at the Harp. They had redone it since I had last been in. The food was great and there was definitely a Celtics crowd.

We had some amazing seats as well. They came complete with posters. But, perhaps even cooler, was we were right near where Eddie House sits. Soooo cool. And, they actual hosted some of the fan fest activities from there, during the game. In fact, one of the people from our row was called to "follow the ball" game.

After half time, I had an amazing surprise. While waiting to return to our seats - we now have to wait until a break in the action - I turned around and saw one of my students, named Luke, and a friend from school. He was totally shocked, as was I. And, because he is a BIG BU fan, I could not help but point of the BC banner hanging from the rafters.

All an all, it was a great memory from a horrible game.

The One With the Nickel Boys

 

 

Today Kiff, Emmie, and I went to see the movie "The Nickel Boys" with Kiff's friends. Of course, we made sure to stay away from them to make sure not to be an embarrassment. They were interested in seeing it because they read the story in school that it was based on.

The movie was phenomenal. It told about life at a cruel boarding school for people accused to crimes....even ones that they might not necessarily have committed. The story was engaging, vivid, and based on a real story.

It has a surprising ending. It was haunting and amazing at the same time. It was also the first time I saw a movie at the Kendall Square Theater. It's a great place to see a movie.

The One With the 2024 Recap

 

 

During the course of the year, I kept a list of what we have done throughout the year. He is a list of 90 special events that we were a part of in 2024. 

 

What a year!!!

Jan 15 – The Beekeeper (movie)

 

Jan 27 – Jazz and Acapella Night

 

Feb 3 – Winterguard Comp

 

Feb 10 – Annie

Feb 11 – Zone of Interest

 

Feb 19: Snowmobiling/Skating

Feb 20: Ice Castles

 

March 4 – Band meeting

 

March 9 – Winter Guard Comp

 

March 10 – Winter Guard Comp

 

March 16 – Love Lies Bleeding movie Framingham

 

March 20 – Spring Concert

 

March 22 – KMS Musical

 

March 23 – KMS Musical

 

March 24: Nick Bagataze

 

March 29- Ghostbusters

 

March 30 – Winter Guard

 

April 7 Winter Guard Finals

 

April 10 Endicott Jazz Festival

 

April 15 Boston Marathon and Mel’s Diner. (20)

 

April 17 NYC – M+M Store, Times Square Visit, Watch Digital art at 11:57, Went to Revel and Rye

 

April 18 NYC – Visited Madam Toussauds, saw filming of FBI (the TV show), went to Juniors, Went on RIDE tour of NYC, went to Stardust Diner. Went on Big Bus.

 

April 19 NYC – Went to Central Park, Visited Zoo, Took Carriage Ride, Went to Juniors, Went to Sweeney Todd. Went on Big Bus.

 

April 27 – Pops Night

 

April 28 – Dress Rehearsal/Natick Earth Day

 

April 30 – Sing Sing at Boston Film Festival

 

May 3 – Fall Guy (May 8)

 

May 11 – AggroDr1ft movie at Alamo Drafthouse

 

May 17 – IF (movie AMC Danvers)

 

May 18 – Bri Family 17^th party

 

May 19 - Recital

 

May 20 – World Language Honor Society Induction Bri

 

May 21 – National Honor Society Induction (Bri – she won the Suffolk Book Award)

 

May 22 – Awards Night (Bri got one for band, Chiff got one for TV production)

                  Civil War movie

 

May 23 – Prom Promenade

 

May 27 – Memorial Day parade

 

May 29 – National English Honor Society

 

May 31 – NH Drag Race (which was on Fox Sports One)

 

June 5 – Grade 8 Dance

 

June 9 – DHS Graduation (Chiff performed, Bri was a marshall) (40)

 

June 11 – Ensemble Night

 

June 12 – Red Sox vs. Phillies

 

June 16 – Bad Boys 4, Museum of Science [Father’s Day]

 

June 21 – Hootie and Blowfish; Celtics parade in morning (1 million people showed up)

 

June 27 – Inside Out 2

 

June 28 – Chiff screening NYFA; Aquarium, Tasty Burger

 

June 29: Daddio (Emmie and Chiff)

 

July 2 – Good Harbor Beach and Ruth Chris’s in Waltham

 

July 3 – Fireworks in Gloucester

 

July 4 – Cookout, Horribles Parade

 

July 5 – Fly Me To the Moon

 

July 7-8 – Cape Cod

 

July 11 – Bri BC tour; Chiff and Dad Kinds of Kindness

 

July 20 – Canada taking down wall paper, playing Pictionary, going to Pizza Delight

 

July 25 – MacDonald Museum

 

July 27 – Fireworks spectacular

 

July 29 _ Angies as a family

 

July 31 – Anne and Gilbert Musical

 

August 1 – Anne of Green Gables House

 

August 4 – Deadpool and Wolverine (60)

 

August 10 – NKOTB

 

August 14 – Trapped movie

 

August 18 – Cape Cod Harbor Hotel

 

August 19 - Twisters

 

August 20 – Cape Cod Hyannis Harbor Cruise

 

August 26: The Wallows MGM Fenway

 

September 6: Marching Band at Football Game

 

September 7: Coast for the Cure

 

September 13 – Football Game

 

September 14 -15 – Beverly Air Show

 

September 20 - Beetlejuice

 

September 22 – Apple Picking

 

September 29 - NESBA

 

October 4: Football Game

 

October 5 – NESBA Contest

 

October 8 – Brighid’s Trim M ceremony where she is historian presenting

 

October 11: White Bird (Bri and Em), Megaloplis (Dad, Kiff)

 

October 12 – Bored Teachers at Chevalier 7 PM

 

October 13-14 - NH

October 19 – NESBA Reading

 

October 27 – Chiff’s Bday Ruth Chris’s and Saturday Night movie (80)

 

November 1 – Senior Night Football

 

November 3 – NESBA Finals. (Danvers got gold with score of 90 pts and 4^th place)

 

November 9 – Veteran’s Day Parade

 

November 27: Gladiator 2

 

December 1 – Beverly Parade

 

December 7 – Tree lighting, Salem Honor Band

 

December 11 – DHS Winter concert

 

December 26 – Nosferatu

 

December 27 – NY Trip ride down

 

December 28 – NYC – Rockefeller Center, Rockettes, Carmines. (90)

 

December 29  - NYC Ride home