The One With Becky G

Today, amidst filling a dumpster and going to Elly's birthday, we had a unique opportunity. Kiff learned about Becky G - an actress and pop singer - coming to the Methuen Xfinity store. As a true fan, he really, REALLY wanted to visit her.

So, we took a hike to try to visit her before her stop ended (she was there from 12:00 to 2:00). And, our visit did not disappoint. We got there after the crowd and were first in line to meet the girl who plays in the current movie AXL (and last year's Power Ranger movie). Kiff's eyes were not the only ones that we star struck when we met her....she definitely was glamorous and fun to see. Kiff and Bri had the chance to receive autographs and have their pictures taken with her. She even took a picture with Emmie and me.

What a memorable day...and a brush with greatness.

The One With The Play and Art Show

Yesterday was a busy day in these parts. Bri and Kiff had two different week-long arts camps come to an end. Bri was working at a local art came, taking drawing and printmaking. Kiff was wrapping up a musical and play camp. And what a wrap up it was, with both having culminating roles.

Kiff's went first, with a play performed in front of a live audience. Title How Our Garden Grows, it was a fun 20 minute musical that tells the story of a special garden that can grow, particularly when it is rid of weeds. Kiff, of course, was one of four sun-glass toting weeds that got chased from the garden.

Two hours later, we showed up at Bri's art show which was also phenomenal. The show included three pieces of her art, which were  fun to look at. All and all, it was a fun and engaging end to their week.

The One With The Black Eye

Every now and then you have a memorable moment in sports.

For Kiff, that day was yesterday. He was playing summer baseball when he took a baseball off the face.

Right below his eye.

Fortunately, it was during fielding practice between innings. But, the result was nonetheless painful. He got an instant black eye - always tough - and a headache to boot (which left quickly).

As a result we took our annual pilgrimage to the emergency room. Luckily, there was no concussion....but a unique memory....and a great black eye. It's a doozey.

The One With a Fourth of July First Place

This past week, we made our triumphant return to the annual Highlands Horribles Parade. This is a fun parade that passes by our house every Fourth of July. For two years in a row, we partook in the parade and took a respite last year. However, as the revelers past last year, we realized we missed it.

So this year, we made a triumphant return. Emmie launched a beach party theme group and invited people to join us. And join us they did. We had about 20 people in our group following the theme. What fun.

Although we all had a blast, we did have a special moment in the ceremony as well. Our group won First Place for Best Float in our category based on the wagon we created with a portable beach part. HOW AWESOME!


It was great to be back. And we already have a plan for next year...Highlands All Stars!!!

The One Where Bri Leaves Elemetary School

June 27, 2018

A date that will go down in the history of our family. At 12:08 today, Bri officially became an alumni of Highlands School.

After six long, hard-working, and satisfying years at the elementary school around the corner, Bri officially left school. It is hard to believe she entered school as a timid kindergartner six years ago. Those six years flew by...and now she leaves as a more self-assured and confident (and smart) fifth grader.

We are going to miss those days of walking to school up the street.

Memories fill the mind of

Monster Mashes
Science Fairs
Friday Morning Meeting Assemblies
Chorus Concerts
Recorder Practices
Art Show Nights


A wealth of wonderful memories that we will hold dear forever.

Congratulations Bri on closing the chapter of one adventure and beginning a new chapter in your life.

The One With the First Full Day of Summer

Hooray! It finally arrived. The first day of summer.

Yesterday was the last day of school. It was bittersweet because it was the last day I will be in 8th grade and part of the moving on ceremony. It was very powerful and poignant...and a wonderful sendoff.

Today, however, represented something new....the arrival of summer. Emmie and I took it in. We walked the kids to school, enjoyed breakfast, got a new phone, enjoyed home, and then took the kids to ice cream and Endicott Park.

No better way to start the summer.

Looking forward to a great one.

The One With a Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day 2018/

What a wonderful father's day it is. It started off with a fabulous breakfast at C House. And it continued with two games in the playoffs for flag football (we fell just short of making it to the finals game). And what a group we had. It was simply an AWESOME team.

As I reflect on this wonderful day, I realize just how lucky I am.

I have a wonderful family and an amazing wife who made me a DAD.

I have two beautiful kids.

I had a dad who was a great role model for being a Dad.

I am truly blessed.

What a wonderful father's day.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!