The One With 2015 in Review

Wow, it has been quite a year and now is a great time to reflect on it. So many things have happened.


First, my Dad left this world to enjoy a new home....we miss you dad.  Love you

I was able to connect with old friends I have not seen.

We were able to go to Cape Cod and Canada.

We made a visit to Santa's Village in summer....what a rainstorm.

Kiff and Bri played baseball and softball

Bri had a wonderful recital

Emmie volunteered to be part of the PTA and helped run several events

I moved up to teaching 8th grade. Whoa!

We has a wonderful holiday season.

I published a few more books this year.

All and all 2015 was a memorable year. Here is looking forward to a more remarkable year next year.

The One With Christmas

It finally arrived...they holiday that I have always loved.

Christmas

And this year was as magical as ever.

Fun time with family

Many memories

The bustle of the crowds

Light rides


It truly was wonderful. And I found two memories from my past.

A toy I loved that I received one Christmas long ago - a picture of the Playschool Holiday Inn.

And one of the music 8 track (flashback to the 70s) I loved

The One With Star Wars Seven

At last, the time has arrived.

December 17, 2015. At 11:48, there are places across the country where the early premier has occurred.

It is hard to believe it is finally here. After a long wait - the Disney take over of the franchise (in a good way), and lots of hype - years after Star Wars III - it has arrived. As a fan, it has been a long wait, but much anticipated.

The most exciting part is that we get to take Bri and Kiff to see their first Star Wars movie in a theater.

Wooo-hooo.

There is tons of cross over advertisements this year.


May the Force Be With You.

Happy 50th Birthday Charlie Brown Christmas

It is hard to believe, but 50 years ago today, the all time classic first debuted on TV.

Still my favorite Christmas show.

 

Happy Birthday Charlie Brown Christmas

The One With the Tree Lighting

Last night was Danvers annual tree lighting ceremony.

It was fun.

Emmie, Bri, Kiff, and I went down to watch. We got there just in time to see Santa arrive by a fire engine. Little did we know just how lucky we were.

We parked ourselves on the street side of the tree that is lit up. Unbeknowst to us, this is where Santa goes to hit the lights to light up the tree. So, as we were awaiting the countdown - viola - he was there.

We counted down and on ten, he lit the lights.

And beauty illuminated the night.

The One With the Decorating

It is that time of year again.

Christmas decorating time. That is what we did this week.

Phew!  Very busy.

Hoping everyone is getting into the holiday spirit.

The One With the Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday - November 26 - was Thanksgiving in 2015.

It was a great day. We went down to the Cape and celebrated with family. Although the ride down was a bit of a hiccup and one hour longer than expected, the rest of the day was pretty wonderful.

Celebrating with the newest member of our family - Oliver - was fabulous. Seeing family that we don't often see was also wonderful. But, perhaps the best part was just having a fun and restful time together. It truly was magical.

The food, the fire, the pool table, and the cool breeze on a day where the temperatures were above average were also very refreshing.

I have always been fond of Thanksgiving, and this one was truly memorable.

Here is hoping everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! 

 
 

The One with the Celtics Game

Last week, we had the opportunity to go to a Celtics game against the Pacers. I hadn't gone for several years, so it was a great experience.

Unfortunately, the Celtics were a little sloppy in the game. It was the second of a back to back and it showed. 

Still, the experience at the Garden is a blast. And this particular team has been doing pretty well this year. They are a solid team with ten players who have been starters at different times and they can win in many ways. It is great to be a part of that experience.

The One Where We Thank Our Veterans

I just wanted to take this time to remember and honor an important group of people who have made this country what it is today. Our Veterans

To you, we hope to understand our deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude for what you have done to keep our country protected, safe, and secure.

To those of you in our family who have served a true Thank You.

Happy Veteran's Day. Enjoy the day!

The One With the Happy Halloween

Yesterday was Halloween....

It was fabulous and perhaps one of the best Halloweens ever.

It started with Kiff and I helped Nani with putting up decorations to make the house the annual haunt it has been since the late 1980s. Complete with lights, sound effects, and motion activated decorations, we helped get it up and running.


We took the sojourn back home and did the same thing here, creating a friendly light and decoration spectacle of our own (or sound effects did not work)...with the best display we ever had. In between set up, we had a quick lunch and watched a Scooby Doo mystery.


After, we carved our jack o' lanterns, which were great. Then, we had our annual fall meal of sweet and sour meatballs.

Following that, we journey outside. Em wore her small witch hat, Bri was a cheetah, Kiff was a skeleton, and I had a latex Frankenstein mask....fun, but a little smelly.

We went to our neighborhood - unloaded a stash - then went to Stone and Martin...farther than we had ever gone, before the 8:00 bewitching hour came. We even were able to go to the green house which has the Hollywood scare display for the first time...it was great. Kiff saw some classmates on the way, but it was fairly quiet. We only got 17 trick-or-treaters...bummer.

We watched It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, put the kids to bed, then watched The Raven with John Cusack.

Quite a way to spend Halloween.

The One With a Happy Halloween

happy halloween
2015

The One With the Trip to Vermont, Not

Yesterday, we were going to make a pilgrimage to Vermont to see the leaves.

However, Emmie has a cold and that did not go as expected. So, we de a tour de force of central and eastern Massachusetts.

1. We went out to the border of Vermont and picked apples. It was a beautiful, crisp day with the scent of fall hanging in the air. We got a peck of empires, snagged two pumpkins, and ate a cider donut as we went on a surprise venture in the late morning.

2. Then, we wound our way to a Johnny Rockets, which I did not realize still existed. What a blast, especially for the kids. They played music in the juke box, including "Monster Mash," Johnny B. Goode," "Rockin' Robin."

3. After, we worked our way through Lexington, going through the center and by the Orchard House. Because Bri learns about the Revolutionary War, we went to Minuteman National Park to watch the Road to Revolution video. The kids filled out booklets and became junior rangers.

4. We wrapped up by going through Salem - never a great prospect in October. It was wild....but we showed Chiff where Leslie's Retreat, an event from the Revolutionary Times, occured.

All and all a wonderful - unexpected - day.

The One Where Emmie Turns 40

Emmie's Birthday just occurred

It is a big one.

Happy 40th birthday Emmie !!!

The One With the Walk

I love these days

Cool breeze

Leaves turning color

Just a hint of autumn frost in the air

That was yesterday, as we walked in our neighborhood before supper.

Not something we can do everyday

But yesterday was the day

Making memories

Laughing

Seeing our neighborhood up close

That is the way to spend an autumn afternoon

The One With The Trip to The Museum

This past week, we had to pleasure to take our annual pilgrimage to the Museum of Science in Boston. It is one of our favorite places, and we always go their on teacher's weekend.

Some of the highlights.

• We always go into the Hall of Human Life. Although it was never my favorite place as a kid - I can still see those pairs of lungs - the updated version is much more engaging to me. Kiff and Bri love it a ton and we were able to do some many interactive experiments. My favorite was the "How well do you concentrate" exhibit" where I scored a 126. NICE!!!

 • We went to the playground in the park, which is always fun. The kids love trying the hands-on exhibits there.

• The butterfly garden was another favorite spot. It was fantastic and we saw a ton of butterflies, including one that was going to be release.

• We saw a movie about the changing Arctic and Antarctic in the 4-D theater. That was very somber.

• We had a chance to see one of the WCVB weather ladies as well as the engineering experiment where the kids got a magnet....much like they had a few years ago.

• We had a quick lunch and then visited the library where we got the parking validated....who would have thought we would have free parking.

The One With the Trip to the Zoo

Earlier this week, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo. It was the first time any of us had ever been there that we remember.

What a wonderful trip.

I remember hearing about it from my mother, who visited the zoo when she lived in Boston growing up. It was actually a long ride to get there - about one hour - but it was pretty scenic, particularly on the VFW parkway. Wow - now that's a road. According to Mom, Cardinal Cushing once lived there. And we also passed the Arnold Aboretum. We will have to visit there, too.

What a great zoo. Very neat, clean, and well laid out. We had a chance to see the rain forest exhibit and the Serengheti exhibit. Bri loved the lions and Kiff thoroughly enjoyed the giraffes.

Of course, we got something to eat there, but the prices were quite affordable (only $24 for the four of us) and the food was good, too.

And what trip would not be complete without a visit the the gift shop....LOL....but we kept the cost down there, too.

As we left, we realized that we will have to play a closer look to the Zookeeper, which was filmed there, the next time we watch it.

The One With The Bash

Yesterday was the annual after school bash at Bri and Kiff's school. It was a ton of fun.

Unlike most years, when we were participants, we volunteered to help this time.  It was plenty of work but a lot of fun.

Tons of people came. There was plenty to do, lots of music, opportunities to talk, and plenty of time on the playground.

Emmie was in charge of getting some of the food, so we started early in the morning. By the time the events and cleanup for over, it was quite time.

It was a great day and an excellent way to get back to school. It was great to see so many people volunteer to make the bash fun for their children and their families.

The One Where My Mother Turns 80

This past week, my mother turned 80. To celebrate it, we had a surprise party for her at her house.

It was quite a surprise. Although, she had expected to see her children and their extended families, she had no idea that our aunts and uncles were coming as well. It really caught her off guard.

And what a great day it was. Her three children all brought some appetizers. My sister made chicken cordon bleu with rice, my brother brought a great cake, and we made a snazzy salad.

In what has been a tough year, we were able to laugh, share memories, and have a lot of fun as a family....and bring us closer....while all celebrating a wonderful matriarch!


Happy Birthday Mom. We love you.

The One With the First Week of School

Finally it came.

The first week of school. Bri is in 3rd grade and Kiff is in 1st.

Bri could not wait to go, but Kiff was apprehensive. But a wonderful thing happened....they both loved school.

Always a great way to start the first week.

The One With the Swanboats

Yesterday we bid farewell to summer with a visit to Boston's Swanboats.

That is always a fun time...we enjoyed the gentle stroll around the pond and saw a variety of birds and even a few turtles and fish.

Of course, it was a little crazy....it was college "move-in" day...always fun.

It is a fun way to spend a day and well worth the little jaunt around the pond.

The One With Back to School

Yes it is true...it is time for back to school.

In retrospect, however, we had a great summer. We:

Went blueberry picking
Went strawberry picking
Went to Canada
Went to Cape Cod
Visited the airplanes
Played mini-golf
Attended NKOTB concert
Went to History Hits Harmony
Marched in our 1st Fourth of July parade
Went to a Red Sox Game
Visited Santa's Village


Phew! What a summer

The One With Santa's Village

We recently went to Santa's Village in New Hampshire. What a blast!

Now, this was not our first time there. In fact, we went in the middle of December once. While that might be nice for the sentimental ambiance of the season, truth be told, it was more memorable for the snow squalls and ice than for the actual fun we had there. It was freezing and freezing and freezing. 

However, summer proves a much better go this time around. Although drizzly at first, it proved to be a remarkable outing. We enjoyed the atmosphere, Santa was great (indeed, he has a marvelous summer villa), and the park was super clean. Some things that stood out:

• There was a great Rudolph at the front that somehow (I believe I know) can see you talking to him and will converse with you.

• The park has a running event that all kids can partake in - try to get stamps from 26 different  elfs in the part (each representing a different letter of the elpfabet...lol).

• The Ferris Wheel is nice...but a bit tall. Something to note.

• The Himalaya is a fast paced ice ride. Definitely worth a whirl....it goes longer than most such rides.

• The Santa Sleigh is a monorail type sleigh that winds its way slowly through the park. Though genteel, it does tend to move from side to side.

The One With The Family Concert

It is not everyday that you are able to go to the Hard Rock Cafe and see your relative perform there. But that is just what we had the chance to do earlier this summer.

Our nephew, performed with his band at the cafe and it was quite an experience. As part of a program he takes with music lessons, he was able to perform three songs as part of a collection of groups.

It was phenomenal. We all were able to go and see him perform. He was great on the drums and even starred in a couple of his own riffs.

It was truly an honor to be there. His group actually came up with the composition all on their own.  That was equally impressive. And the songs and stage presence of all the kids was phenomenal.

He definitely rocked it that day!

The One With Murray in the Travel Bag

We have a cat named Murray. He is clever, wily, and a lot of fun.

But one thing he loves to do is try to become part of our luggage when we are traveling. He did it yet again recently.

We're not too sure if he wants to travel with us, tries to get us to stay home, or just likes the luggage....but it really is an interesting thing.

You've got to love cats!

The One With Blueberry Picking

Yesterday our family made our annual pilgrimage to Ipswich to go blueberry picking. It is a great farm to pick from at the end of a long street.

What a glorious day! The weather was hot, but not humid. The blueberries were ripe. And the skies were clear.

We did wander through the fields, finding a collection of just the right blueberries. There were many to choose from. We did have to dodge a few bees to get our blueberries, but that is okay. Luckily, we had to help of a friendly robin as we picked....who seemed to enjoy hanging out with us.

When all was said and done, we had 4 pints of lucious blueberries.

Now the only question is...what are we going to do with four pints?

The One With Our Anniversary

Recently, we celebrated our annivesary. It was a ton of fun.

It is hard to believe we have been married for so long.

We had a family breakfast, left notes for each other, went out to a lunch treated to us by Bri and Kiff, and later went into Boston.

So much fun!!!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful bride.

The One With the New Show

Today I watched Girl Meets World - a show on the Disney Channel - with Bri.


What a wild adventure because it is based on a show that was on when I was in college - Boy Meets World. I remember watching a few of those episodes....now the main characters are grown up and have their own daughter.

Sharing this is interesting because it is almost reflective of what has happened to me....I'm much older sharing a very different version of the show.

As you can see, the irony is wild.

The One With the Happy Fourth of July

Today is America's Birthday.

We are about to head off the be in the Horrible's Parade.

Before we go, we wish everyone a happy fourth of July!

The One With the Long Week

It has been a long week...and crazy.

Here is what we had to do.


1. Last day of school for me
2. Emmie and I went out to breakfast
3. Had to visit school to wrap up
4. Two dance classes
5. Last baseball game
6. Last softball game
7. Writing project due
8. Last gymnastics class
9. Strawberry picking
10. Hot dogs, hits and harmony event.

I am exhausted....and it is only Saturday.

The One With The Long Week

This was the week
So long and tough
Each day was filled
With amazing stuff

Several field trips
Two big field days
Three meetings
Kiff's attempt at ballet

Bri and Kiff
Had several ball games
I had rides to Charlton
Not so tame

Emmie took on
A brand new task
I fixed the steps
"Again?" you ask

Wow what a week
Great but done
Its hard to believe
A new one's begun!

The One Where Bri Pitches

Today was a monumental day for Bri. It was the first day that she pitched in softball.

It came as a bit of a surprise. Following the top half of the first inning - her team was the home team - the coaches were asking who had not pitched yet this year. Somehow, they realized that Bri had not done so. Needless to say, she was slightly overwhelmed by the idea, but nonetheless interested in doing it.

Following an out in the first inning, she warmed up quickly on the side with a teammate. Coach helped her know how to throw underhand. She caught on.

When it was her time, she breathed deep and went up to the makeshift mound. 
She threw. 
It was a ball. 
Then, she threw again. 
Another ball. 

But, slowly she got the hang of it. Before long, she had pitches over the plate. Two kids actually hit it. And she threw strikes.

In the end, coach joked that she was the most feared lefthander in the league.

What a fun start for her first experience pitching. As for Bri, who knows if she will want to do it again. However, one thing is for sure...she not only liked pitching, she loved it.

The One With All The Games

Today was a game day.

Big time.

Kiff had a baseball game and Bri had a softball game. Both went well....but phew! Exhausting.

This is such a crazy time of year.

Bri's recital is great

Bri had her fifth recital this weekend. And it went great. Bri performed in three specific dances in the show.

The first was a ballet to Jonny Fedora with the classic Disney cartoon playing in the background. She did well in that.

The second was a jazz dance to Dance With Me Tonight. Bri actually started off the dance by dancing with a young boy in the class. It was clever and fun.

The final dance was a tap to Jonny B. Goode. She did well and even did a little bit of air guitar. It was awesome.

What a great memory of her fifth recital....it is hard to believe there were five of them.

And it was great to know Dad was shining down during the performance....the rainbow shined during Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

The One Where Bri Catches

Earlier this week Bri decided to do something new.


She decided to play catcher in her softball game. It was a hoot! The equipment was larger than she was. But that did not daunt her. As soon as the coach asked, "Okay who'd like to catch?" she shouted... "I will."


I almost collapsed, but she did great. It took some time to get the ball....and she had several past balls. But, she loved every moment.

And in the end, she might have taken her first step toward a new position for the future.

The One With Picture Day

Today was picture day for softball and baseball.

What a wacky day. We had to take Bri and Kiff to pictures.

Then, each had a game.

It was five hours of softball and baseball.

Zoinks!

The One With the Baseball Games

What a busy week...

We had two baseball games and one softball game.

Lot of fun.

But so busy!!!

The One With Baseball and Softball Season

Baseball and Softball Season Started today

It was parade day in town.

Lots of fun....and more to follow

The One Where We Say Goodbye to Dad

This past week was tough.

We held a wake and funeral for my Dad. Not what I would have ever expected would be happening this year. It was a tough, tough day.

We spent most of the time remembering, honoring, and celebrating my Dad, his life's achievements, and his love of family. He was quite a special guy...one who had lived a good long life and one that we had hoped to spend several more years with. Of course, one day we will be with him again.

The wake included a wonderful video montage put together by Everett Funeral Home with clips that we had given them. It was amazing...even even more special because it was synched with music that he liked. Singing in the Rain still stands out.

The following day, Tuesday April 21, we said our official farewell with the funeral. Everyone in his family has a part, from readings, to responses, to a Eulogy, to bringing up the gifts. Even though it was tough, we all did a great job in part because we all loved him so much, and wanted to do it.

We celebrated him after at the Dolphin Restaurant and returned to their home.

An amazing man with an amazing legacy.

I love you Dad!

The One Where I Say Thanks Dad

This was a tough week.

Thanks Dad for being my Dad.

I Love You !

The One With the Skating Test

This past Monday, we experienced something we have never experienced before....

The Skating Test

Emmie and I have never taken true skating lessons, but this year Kiff and Bri are taking them. They love the lessons. And one thing that we did not know is that, at the end of sessions, skaters take a skating test.

We weren't too sure what to make of this, so we got there extra early. But once we got there, we realized that it is rather routine.

Students go thru the drills, literally. They demonstrated how they can skate forward, backward, stop, and turn. They ever receive an official US Skating booklet to keep their test information in. How cool is that!

But what might have been even more fun is that the kids were able to get a badge to keep. Now, the badges can go on an eventual skating jacket or even a tote bag that they keep their ice equipment in.

Very cool!!!

The One With the Easter Bunny

Yesterday, for the first time ever, I was able to join Bri and Kiff on their trip to the Easter Bunny.

It was a great time. In our neck of the woods, they do take Bunny Appointments. However, it seemed so busy, that we did not hear back, so we decided to bust it and get up to the North Shore Mall as fast as we could, earlier than our supposed appointment.

There was a little line....but nothing too bad.

We waited awhile in line before we got close. We heard a few obligatory cries from those kids - like me when I was younger - who were petrified on the bunny. But mostly, kids were having fun. The mall had a great set up where you could take pictures before getting there in some spring time scenery.

When we finally made it, we did have to pause for ten minutes because their was a backlog of people waiting to purchase pictures, so the photographer had to help. All I could think of was, if this were me when I was a kid, it would have been a horrific ten minutes anticipating the bunny. However, this bunny was rather friendly looking (too bad they did not have such friendly looking bunnies like that back in my day), was waving, and even expressed excitement that Bri and Kiff had brought carrots.

Then, it was picture time.

They looked great all dressed up. When the pictures came out - voila - fabulous. You could clearly tell they were brother and sister.

We went home to quickly change then went to Brothers for lunch.

All in all a good first time for me to visit the Easter Bunny (believe it or not, it really was my first time as a person).

Happy Easter



picture courtesy of www.wpclipart.com  (public domain).

The One With the Lion King

Earlier this week, our school put on its 19th musical, The Lion King. It was a special event because we were provided the opportunity to test out the play and curriculum that went with it.

The play was thoroughly enjoyable and the students were impressive. However, that will probably stand out as the bigger memory was the fact that Bri actually helped me back stage for the first time ever.

What made this amazing was that - long ago - I had suggested that she would help me as other kids had done starting in second grade. Of course, she was three at the time, so I doubted she would totally remember. However, several other students started in the second grade helping me backstage, so I hoped she would, too. And how time flies....fast forward nearly five years.

On the day of the last performance, Sunday March 22, she indeed decided to help me. She was a little worried at first, but blended in great. The students, of course, we fabulous with both cast and crew looking out for her and taking good care of her. She stood close at my side, in awe of every step, every move, every breath that unfolded. Indeed, the world behind stage was quite different....she had seen the play before with Kiff and her friends...and the cast was great with them during a backstage tour.

Bri did help me in several spots, but none as important as the very end when she, I, and another girl were the only ones available to put on the massive Pride Rock. And, she came through like a pro!!! Fantastic.

I looked at her in the black shirt - with polka dots of all things (great for backstage) and realize that this is the start of a new adventure.  I now have a trusted back stage crew member to help me for years ahead.

The One With Spring At Last

Yes.


It is here


Spring.


It came at 6:45 last night.


And it is snowing!

The One With The Spring Weather

Thank goodness.

It finally arrived

A week with a temperature in the 50's.

Ahhhh....we got outside. The kids played in the driveway and enjoyed the sun.

We did some outdoor cleanup.

It was wonderful....a taste of spring...so savory....so delicious.

It is only one week away!!!

The One Where Spring is Almost Here

You can feel it....

It is almost here....

After this long, long, long - cold and snowy - long winter.

There are hints of spring.

Changing the clocks ahead one hour.

A slight warm up this past week.

Robins.

Ads for spring TV shows.

It will be here very soon.

Spring....we are looking for you.

The One With the Crazy Dress Colors

Yesterday, our family examined the following picture below that took Internet by storm in the past 48 hours.

Much of the nation is divided by what they see. Many see white and gold. Others see the true colors of the dress, black and blue. Scientists are trying to explain it as the fact that your brains are trained to see certain colors, but I am not too sure.

There seems to be a 50/50 divide in the country. Even celebrities cannot agree on the color. At home, we had the same problem.

Bri and Emmie thought it was black and blue
Kiff and I thought it was white and gold

Neither side can see how the other possibly sees different colors.

Wow!

The One With the Father Daughter Dance

Last Friday - February 13 - was a father daughter dance in town. Bri and I went to it.

What a blast. It is the second year we have attended this event and we had a ton of fun. We both got dressed up and had some fun.

When we arrived, we registered and had a picture taken in front of an imaginary sky line. Then, we walked in, and joined in the dancing. Fathers and daughters were doing some fun, side to side dance. After that, there was another jazzy dance to Let It Go from FROZEN, then it was time for a Hoola Hoop contest.

We followed that up by playing a few games and then watching Cotton Eyed Joe, which was being taught to all of the kids - and dads - who were there. Fun times!

Bri encountered plenty of kids from school and some from dance who recognized her.

Then, we did the YMCA - always a blast, and went downstairs to get some water and do a few crafts. We made a key chain, frame, and colored some pictures.

We wrapped up with one last jazzy dance and took off into the cold night...which was like 10°F outside.

It was a fun time and one I will never forget! The type I know I will remember decades from now.

The One With Ice Cream for Breakfast

Yesterday, February 7, 2015, was National Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day.

And, in true fashion, we decided to celebrate it. Now, I know what you may be thinking...who would have a holiday to celebrate this? Well, it appears the holiday actually developed in upstate New York for fun, and has spread through a grassroots effort. Every first Saturday of February is now celebrated this way.

In Massachusetts, there are at least three ice cream stores that celebrate - one in Northampton, one in Newton, and one right in our town, Danvers. The local event is a fundraiser for the local education foundation, DEEP. And it is a great event!

For the past three years, we have celebrated this fun event. Last year, we did not make it to the official event at the Cherry Hill creamery, but this year we did. And all four of us enjoyed it.

Kiff wasn't too sure about this whole ice cream for breakfast thing, so he played it safe. He has a dish of peppermint stick. However, the rest of us were a little more venturesome and ordered from the "ice cream for breakfast" menu. Bri had bananachip - a blend of banana ice cream and chocolate chips. Yum. Emmie had coffee and donut - a mix of coffee ice cream and crumbled crueller. I had cinnamon bun - a combination of cinnamon ice cream, a touch of vanilla, and pieces of cinnamon bun.

What a treat...and what a way to start a day!

I would definitely recommend that everyone celebrate the first Saturday of February by having ice cream for breakfast.

The One Where the Patriots Win

Yesterday was simply amazing.

It was the first time that - as a family - we could truly enjoy the Super Bowl. Bri and Kiff have learned a lot about football this year and they understood - and enjoyed - the Patriot games.

They knew that the Super Bowl was a great game, but there were a lot of elements to it, including the commercials and the half time show.

And this year the kids were excited to watch....and they were able to stay up for the first half.

They made decorations at school and at home...we hung them during the game. Bri put on the Kitty Bowl as her own pre game show.

We had some super snacks made by Emmie. We watched the pregame show and played some shnazzy music!

We watched the first half and cheered the two touchdowns by the Patriots. We even watched Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Missy...

It was time for bed....but they were still excited, wearing their Patriots gear as they headed upstairs. They thoroughly enjoyed their first true Super Bowl viewing experience. 

Of course, they did miss out on the epic Patriots comeback and the interception for the win with 18 seconds left.

But it truly was a memorable Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Patriots on ring number 4. It was truly a memorable day for us!!!

Thanks so much! Go PATS!

The One Where the Super Bowl Arrives

Ahhh, at last it is hear.

February 1, 2015.

Super Bowl Sunday!

It is early in the morning and we've been watching different TV sports shows to get all hyped up for the game. Emmie went out to get some food for the game. I am holding down the fort and the kids are excited about the game as well.

Of course, they are hoping for a New England win!!!

Go Pats!

The One Where We Got a Blizzard

It finally happened yesterday.

The large amount of snow that many people thought we would get.

No, it wasn't just any snowstorm. It was the snowstorm named Juno. The blizzard.

And it was a doozy. As I write this now at 7:45 on January 28, it is still overcast outside. Plows are everywhere as a reminder of what has happened. 

Yesterday was indeed incredible. We spent most of the day in the house...though the kids managed to go outside. I spent more than four hours snowblowing and shoveling. When last I checked, we had at least 20 inches of snow, but it looks like more than 2 more inches fell. Yikes!

It is definitely memorable...the blizzard of 2015.

The one where we let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Ah, it came at last.

January 24, 2015

Snow!

We'd been waiting nearly two months, but at last it has arrived. A fluffy blanket covering the ground, making it possible for us to enjoy all things winter for the first part of the day.

And we have made the most of it. Bri, Kiff, and Emmie spent the better part of the day outside making snowmen, snowchildren, and snowcats, while I took care of clearing the snow.

Ahhhh....so nice. Too bad it has turned to rain, but we may get one final dusting to remind of us the simple joy that is a snowy day!

The One where A Local Legend is Corroborated

Earlier this week, I had one of the local legends that I heard several times growing up officially corroborated and verified to be true.

I grew up in a town called Natick. It is an awesome town with many of its own legends. One of the most famous - told even by my parents who had just moved into the area at the time it happened - was the story of our town's famous brush with greatness (it has had many more since).

It happened around 1960. A family from California moved to town. The family had children who were friends with Jerry Mathers...the famous character in Leave it to Beaver. According to legend, he visited and stayed with a family in town and it caused quite a stir. It was even in the papers, I was told.

While I typically believe such stories, I had always wondered if it really was actually in our town or did he just visit our town. I also wondered if it was in our town, where it might have occurred.

Flash forward about thirty years later. I was chatting with woman who actually grew up in our neighborhood at the time...on Curtis Rd. Although she did not live there long, she mentioned that she lived across the street from a family that moved in from California. And - she said - one of her greatest memories in that neighborhood was when the family hosted Jerry Mathers at their house. Although kids tried desperately to see him and say hi, they never quite caught a glimpse of him.

Wow....little did I know a famous celebrity not only stayed in our town for sure...but he stayed a couple of streets over from where I grew up.

I love it when local legends turnout to be true. Sometimes, the way you find out is just as amazing.

The one with the New Year

The new year is off to a great start. However, here is what we did to start off the new year, by ringing out the old one.

On December 31, we did the following:

• We watched Rudolph's Shiny New Year
• We watched Charlie Brown New Year
• We made 2015 glasses
• We did a toast with red grade cider
• We did our yearly interview sheet
• We had Chinese food.

All and all, a fun, and quiet new year.