The One With the Museum of Fine Arts

 

 

 

Today was a fun day. It was Kiff's last day of NYFA camp, where students share the videos that they made. At the same time, it was a chance for Emmie, Bri, and I to spend the day in Boston doing something. So, we decided to try something new - we went to the Museum of Fine Arts...which we have never done together.

What was neat about that is we were able to arrive in mid-morning when it was not too crowded. Right away, we were able to see something new -  Orange Coca-Cola was sponsoring a drink truck outside the museum. So, of course we had to try some. It was phenomenal.

Inside the building, we were able to take in several sights. Some highlights were:

• Seeing the Egyptian room, where they had mummies. I always liked this room.

• Tracking down the cathedral that I went to when I took 8th graders on a tour there back in 2018 on Holy Thursday. It was amazing!

• Getting a chance to visit the Scottish manor room, which is thrilling

• Seeing some of the Americana paintings as well. They are really endearing.

Following the museum, we were able to book it over to the NYFA film fest. It was great. Kiff's movie was particularly clever - it was about a person who has writer's block and then makes a story about a terrorizing water bottle. It was awesome.

What a fun start to the summer!!! 

The One With the Recital and Bri's Finale

 

 

It was a bittersweet day! Today was the annual NSDA recital. And, it was Bri's last day performing on stage with them.

 Now, truth be told, we knew it was going to be a tough day. Bri had a solo in the show...and having already watched it during a preview, we knew there were going to be some water works. And there were.

However, the recital itself was quite a show. Between Bri and Kiff, they were in seven performances, which we think was a family record. Bri and Kiff had three dances together, Bri had her solo, Kiff had a hip hop, Bri was in a ballet, and they had the finale.

The show was phenomenal as usual. There were many highlights. Perhaps that one that made me smile the most was when the two of them danced to Ice, Ice Baby. That was quite a show! And they were a hoot in it. Seeing Bri in ballet and Kiff in hip hop was also a thing of beauty, too!  Of course, the solo stood out - Bri was amazing and got a well earned round of applause. 

Of course, the thing that was the tear jerker was the finale. They always choose a sentimental song - this one was about the wind and memories.  Bri and her two other senior classmates took center stage as others, including Kiff, danced them off. Bri and the other two got choked up - which got most of the rest of the audience choked up as well - and embraced for a long time at the end.

What an amazing end to a 16 year career dancing on stage...though Bri plans to keep dancing in college. The best part was we got to share it with a lot of family as well.

The One With a Great Father's Day

 

 

Today, as the school year winds down, I had the chance to enjoy another amazing Father's Day. Last year, I started a new tradition - order takeout for breakfast - museum - movie - dinner. And, this year, I decided to repeat the feat. It was another great day.

First, we went to Nick and Andy's for breakfast. Always a great take. And, the takeout was great.

Then, we went to the Museum of Science...one of my favorite places. That ended up being good, but not as good as last year because they are doing a TON of work. The lightning exhibit - my favorite - was shut down for the time being (it might be next year as well). However, there were still things to do, including a dolphin movie, the human body exhibit (which has changed a lot), and of course a visit to the gift shop.

We then went to see the new Karate Kid. It was a fantastic blend of original series with the Jackie Chan reboot. LOVED IT!

 We finished the day with supper at Jimmys!!! What a fabulous day! I can't wait to do it again next year!

The One Where Bri Graduates

 

 

 

It is hard to believe it, but today marks the end of an era, a major milestone, a huge achievement. Our daughter, Bri, graduated from Danvers High School. 

 The occasion was both bittersweet and monumental. It marked the end of 13 amazing years in the Danvers schools with a collection of phenomenal accomplishments, as evidenced by her cords and awards on her graduation gown. But, more important, it marked the beginning of an amazing new chapter that she is about to write.

Watching her march onto the field and get her diploma was an emotional moment. In fact, seeing many of these faces we have come to know over the past decade was truly a touching moment. Families we have known and forged friendships with cheering their own children as they graduated was also so moving and touching. And, wondering what those children will do is also quite a feat.

The day was one that we will always cherish. It marked the third generation of Emmie's family to go through DHS. The first included her Mom (though at a different DHS), Uncle Murray and Aunt Nancy. Then, her brother Eric and she graduated. And now Bri represents generation three. What an accomplishment. Adding to the graduation ironies was the fact that I girl I graduated with - who is now a mom - had a daughter graduate with Bri. Wow.

Seeing Bri embrace the future - and her friends - while holding firmly to the memories is something I will savor forever.

Congratulations Bri. I can't wait to see what comes next. Love you, always!!!