The One With The End of the Year 2021

 

 

Tonight is New Year's Eve. Another year comes to a close and a new one is waiting.

We had some amazing memories in 2021...and some ones we would like to forget as Covid 19 continued to wreak havoc.

Some of the highlights include:

 

1. Bri moved on from 8th grade and entered high school.

2. Bri made the All Star Team for softball.

 3. Kiff player in two flag football Super Bowls...unfortunately, both were losses.

4. We went to Washington D.C. on an amazing trip.

5. We visited Diana's bath in New Hampshire.

6. We revamped the garage.

7. Our house was repainted.

8. Bri made the JV field hockey team.

9. We saw multiple parades with Bri in it as a color guard member.

10. Kiff made the jazz band!!! 

We hope next year has many more amazing, healthy, and happy memories awaiting us!!!

 

The One Where We Lose Two Greats

 

 

Earlier today,  Emmie and I noticed an old TV show advertisement. It showed Betty White in the 1950s.

Little did we know, a few hours later, we would find out that the true living legend passed away earlier today at 99.

 She was going to turn 100 next month. She had several amazing careers, constantly reinventing herself. May she rest in peace.

 

Sadly, a little while later, we heard that Celtics great Sam Jones, also passed away. He died at age 88. He left an impressive legacy and was an AMAZING player on the Celtics teams in the 1960s. He joins other great Tommy Heinsohn, who also passed away this year. 

 

Such a sad way to end 2021!

The One With The Booster Shot

 

I got my Covid 19 Booster shot yesterday at 4:30. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I actually felt good today.

The One With Christmas By Candlelight

 

 

Last night, we visited Sturbridge Village on a quick getaway. They have this annual festival called Christmas by Candlelight. Although we went several years ago and said we should come back one day, we had not....until last night. 

We were happy we did. It was a remarkable experience. They extended the festivities by opening up the back part of the village - something they had not done the last time we met. We were able to visit the barn animals (they were still outside), grab a delicious cider, and see rows of Christmas trees lighting the way, which was visually stunning. The Bixby House had a dinner set up like one that would have been served at the Crachits. And, the Ghost of Christmas Present was there to bid visitors a farewell. Very clever.

The wooden bridge had a series of "wishing trees," that people could write wishes on. That was amazing!!!

And the main village was well decorated. We went to the meetinghouse, where two people were playing the Coventry Carol. We toured the mansion, which only had the first floor open because of Covid. They had setups for an 1830s, 1850s, and 1870s Christmas in New England (showing how the popularity of the holiday and the decorations had grown.

Of course, we made a stop at the two stores....with some great 50 percent off deals. AMAZING, too.

What a trip! We definitely will come again.

The One With The Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas from the Peanuts Gang

Today is Christmas morning, 2021. It has been a fun and eventful day. We actually set a record by going to bed at 12:45 AM....the earliest we have gone to bed in 10 years.

 

I did get up early enough to get coffee brewing and cinnamon rolls on.

 

Then Bri and Kiff came down and opened their stockings. They were pretty Epic.

 

Bri and Kiff made stockings for each other, as well as Emmie and me. They shared it with us as well. Those were epic, too.

 

We are now getting ready for brunch (it is 11:16 AM). Wishing everyone  a merry Christmas

The One With The Time Capsule

 

 

Yesterday, after two and one half-years of work, we buried the time capsule in the new Kennedy Middle School. It took years of searching and a lot of help, but Mrs. Lemon and I worked to gather more than 60 artifacts from the original school, including newspapers, the last American flag to fly there, an original brick from the building, tons of pictures, and notes left by students, among other things.

 

The time capsule was a great way to recap the first year at the new school a year to the week before the old school closed.

 

What is amazing is one day, a future generation of Kennedy students will open that time capsule. Oh, how amazing it would be to see it.

The One With the Ornaments

 

 

Earlier today, we all worked on creating a set of Christmas ornaments. Emmie had got these in the mail and we thought they would be a great addition to our season decorations. Here is the outcome of what we did....we really had fun making them.  Kif did the truck, Bri did "Peace," Emmie made the "Believe," and I did the other two.

 

 

 

The One With the Holiday Light Show

 

We just got back from a new experience for the family. We went to the North Shore Light Show in Haverhill. 

 

Overall, it was a great experience. Although most of it was main roads, when we got to Haverhill, it was a little bit out of the way - we went down this windy neighborhood road to get to the entrance. We did have to wait in line on a hill to drive through - not a problem, but it was a little bit interesting.

 

However, it was well worth the trip. There was more than a mile of lights set up much like the old Edaville Railroad. There were a variety of scenes such as a salute to the holidays, instruments, Santa's Village, and my favorite - a manager scene.

 

It was a great take! And one we will definitely try to see again. It was even a windier way back home.

The One With Thanksgiving

 

Today is the 400th anniversary of what we call the traditional Thanksgiving Feast in America (the Pilgrims held their feast sometime in autumn 1621.) 

In honor of that, I have a short list poem called What I Like About Thanksgiving. 

 

Family time

Feel so fine

Pumpkin pie

Air so dry

Pilgrim prayer

Smells in air

Cranberry

We're so merry

Turkey's roast

Cheery toast 

Time to rest

Day so blessed

 

 

Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving !!!

 

 

The One Where I Turn 50

 

 

 

Yesterday was my 50th birthday. It is definitely hard to believe that many years have passed and I am a half century. 

It was an awesome day. In school, I got cards from Nicole (my former partner who also turns 50 the day after me) and my team. I got a cake and a balloon. Emmie, Kiff, and Bri send balloons and candy as well...which led to my students singing to me.

At home, Emmie had an awesome sign outside for me marking my 50th day. Bri had a "Friends and Family" performance later that day. We had some great cake and a nice dinner at the 99. And, the kiddos left me some nice signs in the house.

Oh year, I also got a great new birthday tie (and a fun pin), which I wore throughout the day!

 

 

The One With Ruth's Chris's

 

 

Tonight, we went to Ruth's Chris's in Boston for the first time in a few years. We celebrated Emmie's birthday! It was great.

 

We had an amazing dinner - no surprise there. We also met a local family from nearby who own a business in Danvers, which was awesome.

 

And, because they don't have valet parking now, we were able to find a good parking lot nearby...and super affordable.

 

All in all, a great trip. 

Happy birthday Emmie!!!

The One With the Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11

 

 

It is hard to believe it, but twenty years ago today, the 9/11 attacks happened. It still is etched in my mind.

 

 

Let us always remember!!!

The One with Bri's First JV Field Hockey Game

 

 

Yesterday - September 5 2021, at 11 AM, Bri began her high school athletic career. She is a member of the JV field hockey team at the high school and played her first game...of course, the 11 AM time was reporting time for players to get ready.

 

Of course, the game actually started a little before the 12 PM start time because the officials were worried about rain. So, Emmie, Kiff, and I missed the first quarter of the game.

However, what we saw was pretty good. Bri was actually in for most of the game on defense and she made some great plays. And she had one excellent popup.

 

 

The One With Shang Chi and the Ten Rings

 

 

It's been a little while since we had the chance to catch back up with this online blog. Sorry about that. Things have been wild.

But, tonight we saw Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It was great. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but the story actually didn't disappoint. Awkwafina had a solid role in it that didn't rely on comedy....it was great to see that. They brought back Ben Kingsley's character from Iron Man 3, which was awesome, too. And, the characters were great.

 

 There were great Easter eggs at the end....which alluded to a lot.  This one is definitely a movie all Marvel fans should see.

Summer Vacation Day Twenty-Six: The One With The Visit To Mount Vernon

 

 

Today, we visited Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.

 

Overall, it was a wonderful visit. Although extremely HOT, we had fun walking the grounds and taking in a variety of the stops. We visited concessions first, so we could get water. After that, we started to tour many of the different outbuildings found throughout the property, taking videos to use in the classroom.

 

We were able to walk Washington's backyard to tour the grounds and were able to get a tour of the mansion, even though we arrived late.

 

We went to visit the museum. Although it was closed, the Education Center was amazing. It actually took you on a walking tour of his life, which several videos, a lot of interactive stations, and a fabulous 4D experience about his role as leader of the Continental Army. I wish I could show that at school.

 

We did have one interaction where a teen or young adult - who seemed to have something going on - got mad at me because I cut her off and, unbeknownst to me - swore at me. But, Emmie took care of staring her down.

 

We went to the food court for lunch and the gift shop - of course. There, we found that Kiff had met the requirements (or at least most by that time) for a Mount Vernon Historic Trail  badge and could also earn a reading pin as well....which we will order in the future. 

 

All and all, an amazing trip.

Summer Vacation Day Twenty Five: The One with the Spy Museum

 

Today - Wednesday July 14, we went to the Spy Museum in Washington DC.

 

There were plenty of highlights there. First, getting there was a trip because the Google Directions for DC actually stink really bad.

1. James's Bond's Asten Martin was there. Delightful car.

2. The museum overall is fabulous. They have many interactive exhibits where you take on the persona of an agent and answer questions. LOVED THAT! 

3. We learned a lot about spying throughout the ages in the US, as well as spying in WW II, spy failures, and even ways spies are coerced to giving information.

We ate at a food court after the Spy Museum. It was pretty good. We got some nice food at the Panda Express.

 

We came home and ordered a coffee at the Le Cafe which was nice.

 

We then went to Old Ebbitts Grill for supper. It was great. Bri had a salad, Emmie had the brick chicken, Kiff had lamb, and I ate a cheeseburger. We had awesome desserts there, too.

We went for a night walk by the White House. Kiff heard that Olivia Rodrigo was there today, so we asked a security guard if she was there. He confirmed it and thought she was still in the city.So, Kiff kept looking for her.

We came back and played 45s.

Summer Vacation Day Twenty Four: The One With The Smithsonian Museum of American History

 

 

We visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History during the day. While we were there, we:

 

1. Saw the Girlhood, It's Complicated exhibit.

2. The American Wars exhibit, which was excellent.

3. Emmie bought a TON of stuff at the gift shop.

4. We saw the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz.

5. We visited the transportation section, which rocked.

6. Kiff collected all the free mini index cards about different exhibits.

7. Bri almost got demolished by the gate at the cafe. 

8. The kids were AMAZED by the Star Spangled Banner exhibit and the sheer size of the flag.

Later, we did the moonlight tour of DC on the Old Trolley Tours. It was just as amazing as it was back in 2006, when Emmie and I did a version of it. We went to the FDR memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, which blew the kids minds, and the Iwo Jima memorial, which is amazing!

Summer Vacation Day Twenty Three: The One With The DC Road Trip

 

 

Well, today was the day we left for Washington DC. It was a carefully planned route through CT - NY - NJ - DE - MD.

 Overall, it was a pretty good trip. A couple memorable moments include:

 

1. Confusion at a Nathan's hotdog stop in NJ. No one knew where to order food and they were not helpful at first.

 

2. We had a gas station hiccup where the pump did not want to work at first.

 

3. We had a great ride over the huge Delaware bridge.

 

4. We got sidetracked on the way to the Marriott.

 

 

Summer Vacation Day Twenty Two: The One With The Run Around for Our Trip

 

This Saturday, we did a lot of running around in preparation for our DC trip.

 

It was exhausting. Our list included a jillion things to do!

Summer Vacation Day Twenty-One: The One With Tropical Storm Elsa

 

 

This was a wild Friday. We had to try to fit a lot going on as Tropical Storm Elsa passed nearby.

 

First, we had to get Emmie's car inspected and double-checked, which is always fun in the rain.

 

We also had to do twenty things around the house.

 

In order to prepare for our trip to DC, we watched NATIONAL TREASURE, which is a great summer movie as well and might be added to our collection. It was a lot of fun to watch!

 

 

Summer Vacation Day Twenty: The One With the Rainout and Emmie's Migraine

 

 

This day was a huge rainout tropical storm Elsa approached.

 

Emmie also was dealing with her migraines still.

 

All and all a really crummy day!

Summer Vacation: Day Nineteen The One with Dance

 

 

This has been the summer of tapdance for me. Emmie and I signed up two do tapdance, but for her, it has been a disaster. We did have to miss the first two lessons. She had a problem with the 3rd lesson - we did not want the kids to have to be dealing with a passing thunderstorm that day - and she had the migraine for the 4th lesson. So, I went solo again.

 

But I have to admit it is fun. I am learning a lot and getting some good exercise. It was great to see a friendly face at that class, too. And the teacher, Ms. Michelle, is great.

 

I think we plan to do it again in fall, too.

Summer Vacation Day Eighteen: The One With Mom's Start to a Headache and Forty FIves

 

 

All of the dust from cleaning the porch seemed to have a negative affect on Emmie. We did play 45s and watch Jaws 3 (something I was actually interested in watching, which is a SHOCKER).

 Emmie and I partnered up, but we lost to straight games to Bri and Kiff. Yikes!

I think the loss sparked a migraine for Emmie that lasted two more days.

Summer Vacation Day Seventeen: The One With Fireworks in Gloucester

 

 

 

The highlight of this Monday was going to Gloucester to see their fireworks. They had been reschedule from the 3rd of July because of rain. So they were postponed until today - July 5th. It was sort of like a second Fourth of July.

 

We actually went to Stage Harbor park. We had a great view (although a car horn kept going off). We also saw drones try to fly through the fireworks - always a bad idea! But it was a great show!

 

By the way, earlier in the day, we redid the porch. It looks great!

Summer Vacation: Day Sixteen The One With The Rainy Fourth

 

 

 

Happy Fourth of July 

 

Today was the fourth of July, but really not much happened. It was sort of a rain out. It was the first fourth without Mom 2 and Dad 2 was in rehab. We did our own mini grill inside, but it was rather quiet.

Summer Vacation Day Fifteen: The One With Jaws

 

 

We continued our summer series by watching Jaws on TV. We had a lot of fun with that!!!

Summer Vacation Day Fourteen: The One With Cards

 We played cards today. It was very rainy.

Summer Vacation Day Twelve: The One With The Pool

 

 

Yesterday (Wednesday) we ended the month of June with a pool day. We spent a lot of time in the pool, and it was nice. The water was as warm as we have ever had it.

 

We enjoy some pool games and we even tried out some of our Pina Colada and Lemon Drop popsicles. Those were interesting.

Summer Vacation Day Eleven: The One With The Mighty Orphans

 

We decided that we should make sure to have time for movies this summer now that we can return to the theater. We did notice that people are not returning in droves, which adds to the safety I know I feel.

We did a quick pop in to Five Below, like we often do. Then, we headed over to see The Twelve Mighty Orphans. The movie told the story of a football team in Texas comprised of orphans in 1938. The team was coached by an orphan. A great cast and a phenomenal story made for an outstanding movie...and one I will always remember.

After the movie, we noticed how barren the Liberty Tree Mall was at 8:30. It was wild!

Summer Vacation Day Ten: The One With a Return to School Meeting

 

 

The beginning of summer often comes complete with some end of the year school meetings. And, this Monday was no exception. I had to pop in to have a social studies wrap up meeting. It was fantastic.

After that, I did have to get my teeth cleaned. A new hygienist brought new techniques...and my cleanest gums ever! Wow! I mean WOW!

I did drive home without AC...always fun, but it worked.

Summer Vacation Day Nine: The One With Bri's Party

 

 

Because it has been a wild year, it has been almost impossible to have parties the way we want. However, this Sunday we tried to do a party in a fun sorta way. We had a mini get together to honor Bri's birthday (which was 6 weeks ago) and Bri's moving on.

 

We had everyone in our backyard for  a couple of hours. It was weird because we realized it was going to be hot and we could not have everyone. It was also the first big get together without Mom Number Two....which was so strange.

 
We opened up the pool and made the grounds like nice...which was actually great to see. And we had lawn chess out, as well as Corn Hole. 

 

It was a great mini-event and one that reminded us of what it would be like to have more of them soon.

Summer Vacation Day Eight: The One With The Eighth Grade End to Softball

 

 

On Saturday, we bid a final farewell to DGS with the annual wrap up "gala." Normally, this would have been done at the Yacht Club with a formal party. However, that was not possible this year. So we were all able to enjoy a Softball Party at Tiggies, which was fun.

 

We got a chance to send Bri on a Farewell. She got flowers as a retiring 8th grader and a photo with the entire group, which was AWESOME! And we got some nice pictures.

 

Thank you DGS for a wonderful career.

Summer Vacation Day Seven: The With a Visit to Nani's and Lunch at Sea Dog

 

We wrapped up out stay with a visit to Nani's house, which is always fun. She enjoyed sharing beauty secrets with Bri and talked about the fourth of July.

We also found the Ping Pong table! Hallelujah!

We did go to the Sea Dog Pub. Although I liked it - loved the Tater Tots - it was not a hit with everyone!

Summer Vacation Day Six: The One With Go Karts and Hyannis

 

 

Day six and our time down the Cape gave us a chance to escape and go to our favorite Go Kart Place in Harwich. It was interesting to note that they were building a new mini golf place next door. We were happy to see the Go Karts still operating - complete with a huge osprey nest on the light pole in the middle. The Go Karts were crowded, but fun.

We then went to Hyannis where we walked Main Street and enjoyed a visit to the BBW, which is always a fun restaurant. We had some great nachos, some fabulous cider, and some great food!

After, we visited Smuggler's Beach.

Summer Vacation Day Five: The One With The Plymouth Walk

 

 

On Wednesday, we voyaged down to the Cape for a variety of reasons. On the way, we popped into Plymouth. There, we...

 

1. ate at the Crabby Shack (after a fun stop at a different restaurant)

2. visited Cupcake Charlies

3. walked along the coast

4. visited Plymouth Rock

5. went along the Grist Mill river walk.

 

We had quite a stopover.

Summer Vacation Day Four: The One With Summer School

 

We began our summer movie marathon - something we have enjoyed every year for the past few years - by ordering some food and watching Summer School. This classic is always fun - with a young Mark Harmon and Kirsty Alley - and a great once to start school off with.

Summer Vacation Day Three: The One With Eric's Birthday

 

 

Between events of the year and Covid, it has definitely been a LOOOOOOONG year. That's why, when we had the chance to surprise Eric on his birthday, we couldn't pass up the chance.

 

That is exactly what we did yesterday. We popped in to surprise him...and a surprise it was!  He definitely looked shocked to see us outside his house. It was great to chat, catch up, and even have a slice of cake (it was delicious!).

Summer Vacation Day Two: The One With Father's Day and Strawberry Picking

 

This past Sunday, June 20, was Father's Day. It was also the first day of summer.

 

We actually had a great day, though it was pretty crazy.

 

1. Emmie made a nice breakfast for me.

2. We went to see Dad 2 at rehab (very different than past Father's Days).

3. I got a fabulous gift of Corn Hole

4. We went strawberry picking at Cider Hill Farm. It was a blast!

5. We watched Bonanza, which is always one of my favorites.

Summer Vacation Day One: The One With Bri's All Star Game

 

 

Summer began with a bang - almost literally yesterday - as Bri participated in an All Star Game for the first time ever. It was a great game to watch and the perfect cap to a nine year career in the DGS league.

First, we arrived early and were there to enjoy the end of the Championship game that occurred before that. It was a hard fought game - from what we could tell - but in the end the Super Team of the league won. They were really good.

Then, it was time for the game. They did announce the teams (Bri's name was third) and even played the national anthem (which sparked Facebook controversy because a neighborhood noticed that some people were not standing for it, or seemed confused, but after several people, including us chimed in, we realized she was looking at the little kid's game on the lower field that had no clue what was going on). Bri checked in with her current coach and some old coaches, including coach Jill, which was a neat way for her to say farewell to her time in the league. Then, it was time for the game. Her team was the visiting team and wore the white shirts (instead of the home blue team). They picked numbers for the batting order - she was 9th, so it two innings for her to get up to plate. Both of her at-bats were strong ground outs to third, who threw to first.

 

In the field, she started off in right, where she did not see a ball come to her (except for a foul that was on the other side of the fence). Then, she played third (always an adventure, because she had not played in a while). She was in left later, and handled a ball that got through the infield. Bri then played catcher. She made some solid catches on pitches, but also took a ball (or bat) off the hand. It is always tough to see coaches and an umpire crowd around your kiddo, but she stuck in there.

 

After six innings, the game was over. Her team lost, but it was an amazing end to a fabulous nine year career as a member of Danvers Girls Softball.

The One Where Bri Makes The All Star Game

 

 

Today, we had a first in our house. It began when I received an email from Bri's softball coach. She wanted to check in with her about tomorrow's game - which is potentially her last regular reason game as a member of the DGS (unless the add the high school league back).

 

As any true 8th grader would feel, Bri was a little worried, but he reassured us in an email that it was related to her last game. And it turns out, when she called him, he told her that as part of their last game, she and another 8th grader on the team would be in charge of putting together the lineup. It is sort of like a right of passage.

But then, he congratulated her and said she also made the All Star Team. She was shocked - and excited. It is the first time anyone in our family made an All Star Team!

The one where Kiff helps an Eagle Project, Bri has a doubleheader, and Kiff has a flag football game

 

 

Phew! What a day. It is hard to believe all that we crammed into one super hot June Day.

 

First, we began to day by helping out with an Eagle Project for troop at 9:30. Brandon P was making a Gaga Pit for the local YMCA as part of his wrap up for Eagle in our troop. It was very hot, but we were able to make an amazing pit for the YMCA.

 

Right after that, we took off and went home so we could get to Bri to pictures for softball on time.  She had pictures taken and then did a practice right before a double header against the best team in the league. It was brutally hot - and the games we just as brutal - Bris team got swept - but they tried their best on such a hot day. Bri had three hits in the games, caught a pop up, and stopped several balls as a catcher on the field.

 

Toward the end of her double header, we had to take to Kiff to his flag football game. That was even more lopsided than Bri's games, as his team got smoked 56 - 0 (or so). Kiff ran a few routes, got some good flags, and tried his best, too.

By 5:00 our day - and ourselves - were done! Exhausted, we ordered some Chinese food and now are getting ready to let Bri and Kiff play video games, while Emmie and I go to bed early for the night.

 

What a day!

The One Where Bri Has a Great Game

 

Last weekend Bri had a monster game playing softball...for her, it was the best game she has played by far ever.

She was catcher for a good chunk of the game. In that time...

1. She got two hits.

2. She scored a run.

3. She caught a pop up behind the plate.

4. On a passed ball, she threw someone out trying to steal home.

5. She threw someone out at third base.

Overall, quite a game fro Bri.

 

 

 

The One With Bri's Monster Day Behind The Plate

 

 

This year, Bri is playing in her 7th season of softball. While COVID took softball out of Bri, this year has proven that you can't take Bri totally out of softball. Now, while she will not admit she likes the sport, she has said she might be willing to play in the future.

The reason - besides some great coaches over the years, she has fallen in love with being a catcher.

And tonight showed that her love for catching is paying off. After having her best softball game ever two games ago (she missed the last one for a recital), she played in her new best softball game earlier tonight for the Dukes.

First, she went 2-3 including a key hit against a tough pitcher. She also almost had a 3rd hit earlier in the night, but it went foul. Then, she swiped two bases as well. Overall, a pretty great night for her at the plate.

But it was behind the plate that Bri really stood out. She played four innings behind their (3rd - 7th in extra innings). She was fairly strong, catching some fast pitchers while holding her own preventing passed balls. She also made three attempts to throw a runner out on the base paths. One was very close!

However, she had three super strong plays that really stood out. First, after barely missing a ball popped up behind plate, she caught one later in the game which eventually prevented a run from scoring.  Also, after letting a ball get passed her, she pounced on it and threw to the pitcher covering the plate, getting a girl trying to come home from 3rd out. And, with bases loaded, a girl swung and had the ball go straight down in front of the plate. Bri was heady, grabbed the ball, and tagged the plate before the girl could score.

Any one of those plays would have been impressive. But, those three helped earn her the game ball tonight.

The One With the Recital

 

Today, Bri and Kiff had day one of their recital. Bri had her lyrical performance, which was amazing. Even more interesting was that Bri's teacher was one of Emmie's former 1st and 5th graders.

 

Later that day, during a second mini-recital (because of Covid protocols), Kiff had his hip-hop performance. He thought he'd mess up, but it was awesome, too!

 

It was quite a day on stage!

The One With The Touchdown

 

Last week - one week ago today - Kiff returned to playing flag football for the first time for more than a year. And he was excited.

He actually scored his first receiving touchdown in his career as part of the Bengals. It was a nice catch and spin move...with clear running room to the endzone. To top it off, he pulled four flags on defense, too!

Needless to say, he and I were excited.!!! Of course, as he says, that was preseason. The real games begin today.

The One With 60 Points

 Earlier tonight I witnessed something I never thought I would see in a Celtics game. It began with the Celtics being down by 32 points at the beginning of the second half.

Yikes!

But the team fought back and tied the game at the end of regulation. In overtime, they came back to bear the Spurs and win by 3.

What is most amazing is that Jayson Tatum tied Larry Bird for the most points ever in a Celtics game with 60. I missed Larry score in back in 85...but it was amazing to see Tatum do it in 21.

Wow! What a game!

The One Where We Return To A Restaurant

 Today we did something we haven't done on more than a year. We returned to live, in person eating at a restaurant as part of our April Vacation. Shortly after getting my second Moderna Covid Shot, we celebrated by going to the Cheesecake Factory in Peabody.

It felt weird to be back in a restaurant. Although we sat outside for extra safety, it was good to be back.

According to Bri, "it was fun, except the sun was bright. But it was not really that bad."

Kiff added, "it was really fun, but very different."

Emmie and I both got Orange Chicken and Bri and Kiff got the Chicken Romano.

Sure, it might seem like a simple thing, but our return to live eating was definitely something we will always remember.

The One With Easter 2021

 

 

Today is Easter Sunday. Happy Easter to all. We have opened baskets, come up with a new video idea (with the toy chicks), and watched Mass on TV. Thanks Easter Bunny. The baskets were great!!!

 

It is a little bittersweet though....it is the first Easter without Mom Number 2. We love you.

 

We made our Easter eggs yesterday and Bri and Emmie made bird's next cookies. They were yummy.

 

Happy Easter. He is risen!!!

The One With The Busy Good Friday And Hot Wheels

 

 

 

Yesterday was Good Friday. Unlike most Good Fridays that I remember, it was fairly sunny but chilly (most Good Fridays in my memory are rainy....though there were passing showers yesterday).

 

We had quite a busy Good Friday. We started by getting an oil change in Emmie's car and having a quick MacDs breakfast. We wanted to get a good start on the day. Then, we watched an episode of LEAVE IT TO BEAVER as we ate. It was the one where Wally was in charge of the blind date committee. I love that one.

 

Next, we headed to visit my mom at the Cape. We brought an Easter basket and also some Easter decorations to add a little spring festivities to the house down there. We spend a couple hours there, had lunch from the Yarmouth House of Pizza, and had a brief visit from others as well.

 

When we headed off, we voyaged to Gillette Stadium, where we went to the HOT WHEELS exhibit across the street. That was a blast. We saw all sorts of life sized - and monster truck sized - hot wheel cars. We saw the largest car in the World (Big Foot 10 I believe), which was several stories high. Amazing wheels. We saw lots of other great cars including bone crusher and a yellow and black Camaro I'd love to own.

 

Then we went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries, which was great. We voyaged home, where we watched something on TV. The Kids went to bed and Emmie and I watched SCHOOL OF LIFE, a great made for TV movie starring a young Ryan Reynolds as a teacher. It was awesome. Then, Emmie and I capped off a great evening and went to bed.

 

What a great day!!!

The One With The First Color Guard Game

 
Earlier this year, Bri decided to join the high school color guard. Although she is only in 8th grade, 8th grade band members are allowed to join the high school marching band if they wish. Because Bri is in band and loves to dance, she decided to join a friend and become part of the marching band.

However, instead of taking part in band with her flute - which she might like - she found out there was a need for color guard members. So, she joined up.

She practiced in the fall to experience what color guard would be like, and now that restrictions have been lifted and football was allowed to be played, a "WINTER 2" sport season has opened up. This also means that color guard would go live.

 

So flash forward to last night. It was the first home football game of the season for Danvers (the one last week had been postponed for health and safety protocols). And it was quite an experience. I hadn't been to a high school football game in ages...and it was a lot of fun. The color guard was great. It was awesome watching Bri come onto the field at half time and be part of the festivities. The color guard and marching band were great.

 

Just as awesome was the game. Danvers was down 14-0 at the half. The team stormed back behind a lot of hard work from freshman and won the game in overtime 17-14.

 

I was left amazed. During a crazy time for schools and school spots, there were more than 100 students from Danvers as part of this game. From players, to cheerleaders, to marching band and color guard....it was pretty amazing to see.

 

 

The One With the First Day of Spring

 

Happy spring everyone. Spring arrived today - Saturday - and it brought with it some fabulous weather.

 

Along with that, we definitely have some wonderful weather. Bri had color guard and dance today, and got ready for softball season. Kiff had dance and some Fortnite fun with a friend.
 

Emmie and I were able to get some pansies for the house and did a spring cleaning - literally - of the kitchen.

All and all, a good day.

The One With The Crazy Weekend

 

 

It was another wacky weekend here, with so much going on.  Between dance class, getting some MacD's, doing ten million things are home....I'm exhausted. I need another weekend from this weekend.

The One With The Hot Chocolate Bomb

 Today, we got to experience the magic of our first family hot chocolate bomb. The fabulous hit of the season - courtesy of Tik Tok - hot chocolate bombs have been sort of a rage the past few months.

Well, the kids got one for Valentine's Day courtesy of one of our favorite candy stores, Putnam Pantry. So, we decided to check out the magic when we got back from our nightly walk just a short time ago. It was fascinating! We saw it break apart and form a nice, thick layer of hot chocolate.

Kiff says it tastes really good. He's drinking his now. I can't wait to try mine some time soon.

The One Where February Vacation Arrives

 

 

Thank goodness...February vacation has arrived.

 

 

The One With The Snow Day

 

This past week, we had another snow day. It was one of those weird snow days because of Covid because for me, it was a traditional snow day. But, for Emmie, Bri, and Kiff, it was a remote learning day. Trying to navigate such days has been tricky this year. 

 We had sort of a watery mess with 4 inches of snow here. Not a lot of fun when it comes to playing in snow, it is true. But it was interesting nonetheless.

The One With Crepes and Whoopie Pies

 

 

Earlier today, we have a double bonus. No only did we have crepes as a treat, but also whoopie pies.

 

The crepes were courtesy of Bri. She had the opportunity to earn extra credit for a French class and was really, really, really excited to cook them. And, indeed, they were great. Here's hoping she nails that extra credit.

 

Then, later this afternoon, we visited a bakery that we did not know existed nearby. Called the Whoopie Wagon (actually, that may not be its full name, but they have a food wagon that serves whoopies), the bakery was marvelous. You know that you have found a good bakery when you are struck by the scents of confection as soon as you enter, and this one definitely did it. We got some cookies there as well as some whoopie pies to enjoy later.

 

I can't wait

 

The One With The New School

 

 

Two weeks ago we moved into the new Kennedy. It is great!

The One With Hi

 Hi