The one where we look back on the year

2014....

What a memorable year for so many reasons....


•  trip to Disney
•  the first year of softball for Bri
•  kindergarten starts for Kiff
•  10 year anniversary
•  20 year teaching at the same school
•  working for new publishers
•  Emmie takes on several volunteer roles
•  Kiff loses his first tooth
•  Bri has three tooth out of her front at once
•  Bri is in her first parade
•  Kiff and Bri both do gymnastics together

Thanks 2014....it has been a great year....can't wait to see what comes in 2015.

The One With the Winter Solstice Sunrise

Today is the winter solstice and we continued our annual tradition of watching the sunrise. It is always fun, but this year, we had a nice twist...instead of trying to rouse the kids (which sometimes happens), they were already awake and ready to go.

We wandered over the Beverly, wondering if we would be able to see the sun. After all, there was a thick cloud cover and a few snowflakes in the air. But, when we got there, the big guy was indeed looking out for us. There was a sliver of clear sky. Although we did not truly see the sun itself rise, we saw the glint of sunlight in the air, ushering in the first day of winter.

We had hot cocoa and tea and donuts, listened to some winter music, and then made our way home.

What a nice way to usher in the winter season. 

The One With the Candy Cane Hunt

The other night, we went to the first ever Candy Cane Hunt in our town. Picture it as an easter egg hunt, only at night, with Candy Canes.

Clever idea, right?

Indeed....it was a ton of fun.

We arrived at about 5:00 and noticed one thing - there were a lot of people who signed up to be hear. We gathered by a big bonfire in a field and shortly after, it was time to line up by a rope. Something told me this could be a quick night. It reminded me of Far and Away, when the homesteaders were standing by a rope, waiting to claim land.

We waited...and waited...and waited with about 200 other kids. I believe they realized they needed more candy canes.

Before we knew it, it was time to go and collected candy canes scattered across the ground.  Kids were everywhere as flashlight beams danced across the grass.

We dashed carefully all over the field - competing with others for collecting candy canes. Bri found one and Kiff found two. We were hoping there would not be disappointment and there wasn't. Most families actually only found one or two...though one kid claimed to have found 35.

Overall, it was a fun time. They definitely could use more candy canes, but it was creative, fun, and well-planned.

Happy Halloween

Indeed, what a happy Halloween it was. This past Friday - I love Halloweens on Friday - we celebrated Halloween in great fashion.

First, Kiff and I worked outside and set up our lights. We try to have a nice display outside for Halloween. We then came in and had our standard Sweet and Sour Meatball meal. Emmie always loves that to usher in Halloween.

It took a little time to get ready, but we put on our costumes.
Emmie was a medieval lass.
Bri, who had gone as a pirate fairy for a school function, went as a Native American princess.
Kiff went as a police officer.
I was a pirate. I am going to do this costume again.

We went trick or treating in our neighborhood. It was hardly busy. We only saw a handful of people...which is sad. Many people left candy bowls at their doors....usually, we only run into three houses like this; but this year, I think we found ten. We were able to see some neighbors get into it, which was great. Nana held the fort at our house. We only had about 12 visitors, down from 26 last year.

We did our typical routine and actually wanted to extend it...but the kids were tired.

We came back, they had a visit from the Great Pumpkin - who always visits in the back - and then we came in to have a few bites of candy. Bri wanted to watch the Disney Legend of Sleepy Hollow (I love that show) which we did. Then, we watched some fun Halloween shows while they fell asleep downstairs campfire style. We brought them upstairs then watched a Halloween History show (which was cool) and the end of Bride of Frankenstein.

What a Halloween!!!

What a Windmill

Last week we were able to enjoy a special treat down Cape Cod. The Judah Baker windmill, located along Bass River, was open for visitors.

Growing up, I spent summers down Cape Cod. The windmill was always a constant landmark. We visited it, we talked about it, we went to the beach that dotted its periphery. However, only once was the windmill open...and then for repairs. I may have visited it that one time, but never again.

Yet, the windmill is now open for a few hours several days a week in the summer. We happened to be there when it opened. And wow....what a treat. We were able to go inside and saw the amazing structure. First, it was three stories high. It has an amazing view from the second story - you can't go to the third one . And it truly shows that a windmill looked like. The volunteers sharing about the windmill were great, too.

What a treat! As a family, not only were we able to see a historic landmark - complete with much of the original wood - we were able to see a part of the landscape of my memories.

It is definitely worth the trip.

One Bad Bumper Sticker

Earlier today, I saw a bumper sticker that stuck out to me. 

It read:

Unless you are a hemerrhoid, get off my butt!

Well, the word butt was replaced with another choice word, but given the nature of family audiences, I have changed it to be more "sanitary."

Now, don't get me wrong. I am a fan of bumper stickers and honestly, I get the point of this one. Still, upon a closer investigation, the bumper sticker is actually scary. Nay, disturbing.

In essence, the person is actually suggesting that you should get off their butt unless you are a hemerrhoid. But, honestly, who really wants a hemerrhoid on their butt, either. Let's face it, there isn't too much you want on a butt and hemerrhoids are chief among them.

So, I am thinking that the bumper sticker should be rewritten. Something like:

Don't be a hemerrhoid...get off my butt.

Gets right to the point. Pleasantly!

Buzzzzzzz

We had a weird incident happen yesterday.

As I was cleaning out a portion of a garden weeding, little did I know that a group of yellow jackets had been working on one of their ground nests.

My knee - it appears - sat squarely on where their nest was.

Before I knew it, I felt a sharp piercing in my arm, then neck, then knee. I quickly lept, batting at the air. Then I dashed to the driveway, waving about furiously. I quickly ran to Kiff and Bri and rushed them inside, my sides, neck, and arm burning.

I got inside and found two of the yellow jackets still on me.

After putting an ice pack on my neck and having help me out, I started counting. I had about ten stings.

Yikes.
 

Happy Graduation

Well, the day finally came. Like a whisper in the wind.

The day that Kiff finally graduated from preschool.

We knew it would happen. But, it seemed like it would be forever before he would be in preschool, let alone graduate from it. Those first few steps. His first few words. That sparkle in his eye when he played with his first few cars. It was only the foundation.

Then, came the day when he first went to preschool. What a moment that was. We decided to send him for two years instead of one, so we knew the journey would be slow, but steady. 

And we were right. For two years, he enjoyed the fun, learning, and joy of preschool. Sure, there were some bumps along the road. Worrying if his parents were late to pick him up (they weren't), or who he might play with, or if his best friend was going to be there.

But, one this was always a constant...preschool. He was there.

Magically, this journey has come to a close and a new chapter has begun. It is hard to believe. But this past Friday, June 6th, Kiff graduated preschool at 4:00 PM. Both sets of grandparents were there to see him. He marched in with cap and gown. He sang. He even danced (to the Tooty-Tah). 

And then, it was time to leave school (or in this case the YMCA gym for graduation) one last time. A slow march down the hall...and onto kindergarten,

Congratulations Kiff. One chapter down in the long book. A new one is waiting for you.

The One with the Roller Skating Birthday Party

Ah!!!!

We had one of those fun memories recently. Bri had her birthday party at the nearby Roller Palace. The local hotspot for birthday parties for decades in these parts, we had been told by many a parent that we would be spending some time here from Kindergarten on.

And sure enough, those parents were correct.

And, it was a ton of fun. it was the second time Kiff had been there...and he definitely wanted to be on his own as much as he could. As for Bri, she was spending an amazing amount of time on the floor, getting her patented move down. She has grown better over the year.

The party itself was a blast. The place helped to time it well: 50 minutes of skating 15 minutes of pizza, 15 minutes of cake, another half hour of skating and arcade games (they were a hit) - and even one person actually successfully pulled a toy out of one of those games that no one ever wins.

The party flew by - Bri had a good time - and before we knew it, it was time to go. Kiff wanted to play one more video game, so he and I went to the car racing game. As we left, it was clear - we were the last people to leave the place...besides the workers. 

I told Kiff, "Let's remember this moment."

So we looked around took in the fact that, for the first time, Kidd was "closing down a place."

The One With the Parade

Yesterday was quite a day, filled with many things.

 But one that sticks out was the event that started out the day...the SoftBall Parade.

This is the first year Bri has decided to play softball and we started the day by heading to the center of town at 9:30 for the softball parade. There, the teams gathered to march with the Little League through the center of town to their prospective home fields.

Bri was nervous at first that we might be late - after all, this was a new event to her. But, was excited when we got there. She found a friend and together - with her team - held the banner and shouted "Let's Go Dukes" through town.

It was fun to watch the procession...which was long indeed....go through town, by Tapley Hall, cutting down Essex street before Gios, and heading to Pickering Street, past the YMCA, and to the school. But, they hung in there well.

There were many people we knew as well, which made it fun. But, what stood out was the past that it was like the passing of a tradition...I remember walking in the parade in Natick back in the 1980s...just like her.

Now, on with the season.

The One Where We Went to Plymouth

This past week, we visited Plimoth Plantation for the first time. It was a lot of fun! It was the first time Brie and Kiff had ever been there. We visited the Plantation on the first day - it was great - and we even met two Pilgrim ladies that talked about life in Plymouth. We visited the Wampanoag site and went into a home. We stayed overnight, and visited the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock the next day. We capped off our adventure by eating at Nicole's Cafe on the Plymouth waterfront...it was great.

Here's what we thought.

Kiff
Favorite Part: Stopping at McDonalds
What question I still have: How the Native Americans go the bathroom?
Interesting to see: How they dressed up.

Brie
Favorite Part: Mayflower
What question I still have:  How did the animals survive the trip?
Interesting to see: In Native American homesite, I liked how they made the food and made the canoes.

Dad
Favorite Part: Seeing Brie and Kiff see it for the first time.
What question I still have: Was it really as cold as it felt on the Mayflower? It was chilly.
Interesting to see: The Native American homesite seemed bigger; the new construction of a Pilgrim house.

Mom
Favorite Part: Exploring the Mayflower and the historical sites
What question I still have:  The Native American and colonial kids games.
Interesting to see:

The One Where We Go to School Every Night

Phew!

What a busy week. This was the week of "Night School."  Each day in the middle of the week had a different event related to Bri or Kiff's school.

Tuesday night was Bri's art show. It was a lot of fun. The students put on a choral performance in the gym, which was fun to see. Then, scattered throughout the building were pieces of art they had made. Bri's included a spring scene and owl art.

Wednesday night brought us to the high school. There, it was time of Kiff's parent orientation for kindergarten. Wow. That was wild! It was hard to believe that he is going to kindergarten. It was funny being "second-timers" at that orientation...you could hear some interesting questions from "first-timers," including questions about school security. At the end, we ran into a few people we knew.

Finally, the wild week was capped of by Open House Thursday at Bri's school. There, she participated in a performance about weather. Her class did reader's theater and she was the Sun. At the end, she actually said, "See you later...I'm off to the beach" which got a laugh. After, we visited her classroom.

It was a busy week...with a lot of school connections. But, it was a lot of fun!

The One With The Tooth Fairy

This week, the Tooth Fairy visited on more time.

On Tuesday, Bri lost her third tooth and first one on the bottom of her mouth. Excited - she has lost it at school - she could not wait to tell me when she got home.

At night, we read "It's Tough Being The Tooth Fairy" - a funny book - then put the tooth beneath the pillow.

Lo and behold, a generous tooth fairy came to visit...complete with $5 and a Kit Kat candy bar (that Tooth Fairy must be encouraging the loss of more teeth).

The Tooth Fairy even left a candy bar for Kiff, too.

Wow!

I can't even remember what I used to get from the Tooth Fairy. But, with those prices...

The One With the Chinese Food

Yesterday we had an ideal family day.

It started with a quiet morning at home. Those are always nice...filled with cartoons, books, and pancakes.

Then, we continued along with a nice spring walk before the weather turned. We were able to even enjoy the playground.

We went to the library where we checked out some books. The kids really love to go through the books. Bri has an intense interest in the human body and medicine. Kiff found a great Caillou book.

After, we came home to watch a video from the library about the real Pocahontas (one of Bri's favorite characters).

We then went to get Chinese food at Jades. We loved that.

Finally, we topped off the relaxing day with a night ride...where the kids fell asleep.

All in all...a great day!

The One With the Art Show

This week was Kiff's art show. It was a hint that his pre-school year is coming to a close, and with that his pre-school career.

So, there was a touch of sadness as we went to the art show. But, it was also a touch of fun as well. Because, once we were there, we saw all of his glorious pictures.

And he did quite a great job.

There was his penguin picture - cute with googly eyes.
There was the vegetable picture - it look like a vegetarian army.
There was the giraffe picture - a homage to Mr. G.
There was his leprechaun - very clever and cheery
There was also his pottery - simply colorful

The collection was a wonderful assortment of his best work...and a collection of a year long memories commemorating his last year in pre-school which is slowly - and sadly - coming to an end.

The One With the First Day of Spring

At last,

It arrived

Two days ago

The first day of spring....

It came with no fan fare

Just hope and fun.

We celebrated by going outside, playing in the driveway, and blowing bubbles.
We felt the warm sun on our faces
And the cool breeze in the air

It was glorious to feel that spring has arrived.

The one with the long week

This has been one long week.

Tech week for the play at our school.

Now, I love doing the play. This has been something that I have enjoyed the past 18 years. It is a blast. Working with the students and seeing how that play comes out is phenomenal.

And it is fun to get a chance to hang out at the homestead.

But I always forget how tiring it can be. In fact, it is even more tiring for the students. Seeing so many of the most energetic students quiet and subdued by week's end is always funny.

I also forget how weird it is not being home, playing with the kids, hanging with Em, watching Curious George with them (as I am doing while writing this).

Good times - yes. Just tiring ones, too. A great way to usher in the spring season!

The One Where We Change Plans

Ah, changing plans.

It seems an inevitable part of life.

And it was this week.

Dancing - gymnastics - a cultural fair.

Sadly all had to be changed because we have been bitten by one of those bugs going around. And this bug has lasted a long time. Well, more than likely it is two bugs, but it has swept over us like a thick cloud.

In January and February, Kiff was hit with something that turned into a sinus infection. It last five weeks. Now Bri has a bug that is taking a long time to fight. She has had it for more than three weeks.

Yikes. Here's hoping - and praying - these bugs break and stay away. With the change in the weather in the air, and Spring just a stone's throw away, we might be seeing the end of it. Which will bring us - and the doctor's office (who have hinted that they seen us a lot) - a much needed respite.

The One Where Spring Arrives

At last, it is March.

March 1. For those of you who don't know, this is the first day of meteorological spring. The light is at the end of the tunnel.

While it has been a fun few months of winter, it is about time that spring arrives.

Sure, the winter has been filled with sledding, skating, snowman building, and running in the snow. But, this winter has brought so many frigid cold snaps that it is hard to believe. I sometimes remember two - even three - in a season. But this year, their seems to be a regular trend in mid-week to get into the single digits.

Now is time for hope. So, for all of you who can't wait for the cold weather to slowly loosen its grip, wait no more.

Happy first day of meteorological spring.

The One Where I Am Not Old

Yesterday, Kiff and I returned from a brief trip.

As I entered the car, he asked me a question about the way cars were parked in the parking lot.

I replied, "I have no idea, Bri," confusing him with our daughter. 

He laughed.

I followed up by saying, "Sorry Bri...I mean Kiff." I paused and groaned at my confusion. "Boy, I'm getting old."

And, out of the mouth of babes, he replied. "You're not old, Daddy. You're just tired."

Love it when you can count on them to make you happy.

The One With the Birds

Today, we noticed that we had a strange bird at our bird feeder. It seemed to be a rather robust bird and took ownership of the feeder.

It led me to realize that we have had our share of birds at the feeder this year.

These include:

male and female nuthatch
juncos
blue jays
male and female cardinals
male and female sparrows
a house wren
mourning doves
male and female chickadees
a woodpecker (these are fun to watch on the feeder)

Quite a haul this year...and what was the bird we saw earlier today

A European Starling!

The One With The Goonies

We decided to show our kids one of those classic movies we saw growing up. We decided to show them Goonies.

Goonies was one of those quintessential 1980s movies that really reflects its time. So, we figured that we would have some fun with it and show it to Bri and Kiff.

However, what we forgot was that we haven't seen that movie in more than a decade. There were some scenes that we forgot were - to say the least - a little bit SCARY.  Ooops. We tried to watch it during supper time, which worked out okay, but also insured that one of us had to stay in the room at all times.

Luckily, they enjoyed it a lot, which was great...and each had a favorite different character. Bri liked Mikey and the girl with the glasses, while Kiff liked the boy with the things (Data). They also learned the age old lesson that some people - adults or teens - can be jerks.

Perhaps the most interesting was the special features. There were outakes that I had never seen, including a part at a convenient store which explains a lot - particularly why Mikey figures out where the treasure might be and why Tony holds onto Brad's hand when he is riding the kid bike. Also, there is the two part music video with Cyndi Lauper which totally caught the kids by surprise. 

"What's with her hair?" Bri asked.  LOL.

The One With the Father Daughter Dance

Last night was our first Father-Daughter Dance. What a wonderful time it was.

It began by getting ready before we left. We dressed in our best. Bri was dressed in a purple dress, while I was dressed in my suit coat.

We left around 6:35 to get to the dance held at the high school. At first, it was a little overwhelming. There were already a ton of kids there...and trying to scope out what to do took some time. But, we settled in and started by making masks at a table. What fun. It took forever - after all it was a masquerade dance and the masks should look good. That help set the tone. We checked out a balloon game, then moved on to taking a picture together.

Then, we made a guess about how many candies were in a jar. We were way off...by about 700 pieces. Then, we moved onto doing some dances....including disco, "Hey Mickey", and a version of the Chicken Dance. We got a snack, a patch (it was for scouts) made a craft and another mask, and did one final dance...than it was time to go.

It was a great evening...and a fun first father-daughter dance.

The One With the Spotlight

Yesterday, our daughter had the opportunity to take part in a school performance. And, it was great.

The morning started off a lot of fun with the house brimming with an extra excitement that radiated down the street. Flashing back to days of yore, she adopted her one familiar happy feet as she bounced around the house. She ate fast - put on a dress (she was excited to dress up) - and even asked if she could have a couple of curls in her hair, which Emmie eagerly did.

And was she ready. Because she feared being late, we went straight to school and hopped right in. 

Kiff and I went off then came back to watch the show, and met Emmie there. It was fabulous.   Bri and her class did a rendition of a poem about the months. Students started off reading together, then students month by month appeared in small groups (based on when they were born) to read their "Chicken Soup With Rice" monthly rendition. It was excellent and the kids - all of them - looked fabulous...they really were pretty special to watch...including one of the students who did fabulous with a solo.

At the end, we gave Brighid fives and "knuckles" and hugs. She was so excited about the performance that she asked..."Are we going out to dinner because I did so well?"

Gotta love it.

The One Where We Go on the Rail Trail

For those of you who know where Danvers is, score one for the Rail Trail.

Brief History - it took some time, but the rail trail was developed a couple of years back on old railway tracks that used to cross through Danvers and many other North Shore communities. While it may have taken a long time to make, it took us even longer to walk on it. I can count the dozens of times we have seen people walking, jogging, or biking on the trail and said "We've got to try it."

Well, we did...and it is quite a trail. Earlier this week (or last week actually) we took a hike on the trail. It was great. We only went down a small portion of it, during a cool winter's day. But we had a blast. It truly is a peaceful and serene walking experience.

Although it is a great path to walk, what was most interesting is "seeing" what you don't typically see - a bakery that dots it, an old wall, a stream. Things you never knew existed - and wouldn't have - came alive. It made me think even more about the town we live in.

So, if you haven't had a chance to try it, the North Shore Rail Trail is truly a good take!

The One Where The Patriots Lose

Yesterday, Bri and Kiff engaged if their first official NFL Football Postseason activity. They actually watched a postseason game with us.

Now, sure, I know what you're thinking. What true, self-respecting fan, would hide their kids from the joys of postseason football for several years. Well, it was not like we were trying...it is just that they lack interest in watching it for a sustained period of time.

But, we were able to change all that. It wasn't perfect. The presence of Word Girl on TV in another room was a distraction, but they did watch the game with us. The presence of snacks - mostly healthy - helped to keep them firmly entrenched in their seats. And, they asked some pretty good questions about the game.

"If the bad guys are orange, why are they winning?" Kiff asked about the Pats opponents.

"What is a flag?" Bri asked. "And why should they throw in?"

"What does NE mean?" Kiff asked....well he actually pointed to NE.

"Who do you think is a bonehead?" Bri asked.

"Should you actually say THAT word?" Bri later asked...about a decidedly different word.

Needless to say, it was a fun, first, prolonged exposure to playoff football. They got to feel the intensity and fun of the game.

Too bad the right team didn't win...at least for us.

The One With The Snowball Fight

It snowed yesterday!

And you know what that means.

Lots of fun. And luckily, it was a wet snow that stuck to the ground. It made for the perfect afternoon outside and the perfect memory.

We started off the afternoon outside by enjoying a quick walk around the yard. It was nice and snowy. Then, we quickly assembled an army of snowmen - well, actually a quartet, flanked by two cats. The idea was to represent out family, which it did well....though it was evident that I was losing some hear on the top of my snowy head.

Finally, we enjoy a rollicking good snowball fight! It was the perfect snow for it. We launched volley after volley and an "every person for himself" "fight." I got obliterated at the very end as everyone ganged up on me and I found a slush puddle to fall into.

The afternoon wrapped up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate - the ultimate piece d' resistance to a snowy day!

The One Where We Went to a Hockey Game

Ah, Friday. Glorious Friday.

It was a fun day at our house, but not for the typical reason. It was a day that provided a respite from the normalcy. It was a day that we went to see a hockey game at Boston College.

A night out. A rarity of sorts. But a much needed diversion.

It started off great...with a quick dinner out. Always a good time.

We were able to get on the road by 6:15 PM and miss most of the traffic, as well as most of the first period. But that is okay. We arrived and - although it took a while for us to get in - between getting tickets at the will call and being told we could not take a bottled water in (COME ON!), we were able to work our way to the seats.

Of course, when we got to our seats, someone was in them. Surprise, surprise! That is one of my real pet peeves...people just seat squatting until you get there. ARGHHHH! They quickly left. In fact, it did appear that this was a common occurrence because all sorts of people in our section moved to relinquish the seats they borrowed. A couple of folks even asked if we were looking for their seats because they had "borrowed" the ones they were in. Nice!

However, the game was good. Providence took a 2-1 lead in the second period, but the Eagles bounced back. In fact, the game was pretty good...however, it was hard to concentrate on it fully. Looking around - and having a flood of memories return - it is hard to fully watch a game. Seeing people interact as if they were at a social club or business meeting was particularly funny. And, seeing some of the fans get a little too into it was a riot.

Overall, it was a great game. We got out when the Eagles were ahead 3-2 with 5:00 minutes left in the third. Ironically, they scored two more goals to win 5-2.

Yet, it is not the score that we were looking for, but the time away...and the experience.

Thanks BC.

The One Where We Go Sledding

Two days ago, we had the chance to enjoy the powdery snow that blanketed the ground this past weekend. We went sledding!!!

What fun. We were able to break in our new sleds, which always leads to a great time. Luckily, with some guidance, I had cleared a spot to situate ourselves ahead of time...so there was no trudging through snow like a Griswold Family Christmas Tree Cutting to get to our spot.

Once there, I did an initial test run and - crack - I heard the solid snap of plastic as I crescendoed down the hill. However, upon close inspection, it looked like I did little to cause any problems.

After that, it was fairly smooth sailing for Bri and Kiff. They each took turns going down the hill as I guarded the base, where a pole is placed perilously close to the run we typically take. But, sure enough the kids did great. They did run after run with smooth sailing. Bri preferred to take off her hat to feel the snow spray in her face. Kiff, meanwhile, enjoyed launching himself off during the runs. Good times. In between runs, I tried my best to mold the powdery snow into snowballs, though I would have had an easier time with glue. But I got a few good shots off, and one that got Emmie, whose irascible glare told me to stop immediately.

The end culminated in a quick run by Emmie and me. Emmie did a great launch down the run while I had to bailout quickly before I almost ran into the pole that I had so carefully guarded.

What a wonderful day in the snow!

The One With the Japanese Steakhouse

Yesterday afternoon was another fun night of firsts. It was the night that our family went on our first Japanese steakhouse visit.

And was it fun!

To start, we went there for a family birthday party, so right away, you knew it was going to be an experience. But Em and I - who have been to these places before - were wondering what it would be like for our two kids.

What a hit!

Right away, we walked in and were taken with the ambiance...end the energy of the family, which all seemed to arrive at once - somehow - even though we were coming from different destinations. Once inside, the soft smell of food, the gentle ping of a fountain, and the slow hum of a fishtank, with three carp who must have been inside for at least three decades, greeted us.

Once seated, we met out waitstaff, which included at least a quintet of people. They were friendly, fun, and quick to make sure all of the kids in the party felt at home. Our kids has a Japanese soup for the first time - and loved it. They also tried the ginger salad, but that proved a little too tantalizing.

But, perhaps, what was the most fun was when our chefs arrived. In usual fashion, they prepared the foods for us. Yet, the two gentlemen that hosted a chef-off of sorts were quite entertaining. Our part of the party were hosted by "Tom Brady" whose food throwing prowess did resemble that of the legendary Pats QB. However, guiding us - and our kids - through the process - he introduced as all to the thrills of cooking food in the steakhouse. Lighting the hibachi on fire, which sent our daughter flying, our son eye-popping, and our niece wishing to go home. Once the fire died down, it was on to food preparation for real. Watching the skill of the chef maneuver through chicken, steak, rice, and noodles with the craftsmanship of a painter was a site to behold, particularly for our kids. They watched, mesmerized, as the food literally came to life for them and us. Our kids had to duck and cover a few times as flames and food went into the air. By meal's end, it was almost as if we were losing a member off our party as we parted ways.

Yet, the memory lingers. They even took our picture to add to the collection on their walls. The first experience with a Japanese Steakhouse was memorable...and it certainly won't be our last.

How do you spell exhausted?

Very easily....16 inches of snow.

That is what we appeared to have received yesterday in Danvers.

It was quite a feat, snow blowing, and raking, and shoveling.

We did get the kids outside briefly...but it proved too cold for them, too.

Gotta love the winter.

First Day Skating

On January 1st, we did something we have never done before as a family. We went for our first family skate.

We were originally hoping to do this at a rink last year, but that never quote materialized. So, we decided to give it a try on ice to start the year off right.

We went to the Meadows in Danvers. What a great take! Highly recommended.

What fun!

Bri seemed to get the knack of it pretty quickly...though she did stumble on the ice a ton. But, luckily, she has gone to the Roller Palace several times and has learned how to roller skate. So she was able to do the Frankenstein walk (that all new skaters have) across the ice pretty well.

Kiff had a little tougher time at first. The ice and the feel of the skates was a bit new. But, after a little while, and some practice, he was able to get the hang of it, too. He still needed someone to hold onto him - he didn't have the Frankenstein walk down, but he was well on his way.

A couple of things that stood out. First,  the new types of skates that they have are amazing. They are adjustable. Second, watching teaching that kids that "clear ice is slippery," proved fun because they wanted to see for themselves...did they learn.

The Christmas Pooh

Perhaps you have watched South Park before. If you have, then you are familiar with the Christmas Pooh...a character that has shown up on the story.

We had our own experience with this today. While taking down the Christmas tree, our daughter bent down and found something.

"Hey what's this," she said.

My wife looked at it - not too closely - and said, "I think it is a pinecone."

Thinking this was cool - a great souvenir of our tree this year, I asked, "Can I take a look?"

Well, on closer look, it turned out to be a dried - perhaps even petrified - cat dropping.

Zoinks!

Needless to say, this was no souvenir. We all quickly washed our hands and made a new memory...of a "special Christmas pinecone."

New Year, New Blog

Hey,

I am sure you haven't visited this post in a long time. After all, we last published in 2009.

But with a new year comes new ambitions. And this year, we hope to relaunch our family blog as a sort of on-line writer's notebook, capturing our warmest memories.

Please join us on this fun ride!!!