Ends and Beginnings

Well Guys,

In the last week and a half or so, we've seen a few things that had been in our routine come to an end. School for JD is the most obvious and certainly has had the great impact thus far, but this past week T-Ball and Soccer ended for JD too. Now, JD is the one participating in all of these activities, but they effect all of us.

T-Ball ended last Saturday with a cookout and award ceremony. JD, you received your first trophy! We arrived with Coach Don, who's son Devin broke his arm two days before. Dev fell off the jungle gym at school. JD, you have been asking so many questions about him. Is he going to be OK, will be be able to play t-ball again, does it still hurt, ect. Devin is a good kid, and you two got along pretty well, even though you were both pretty quiet throughout the season. Anyway, Don met us there to hand out the awards.

T-ball was a great experience for both you and I. I didn't know a single person going into this thing, and neither did you. All of my friends either live outside town or don't have kids your age, and all of your friends live outside town. I have to say, I was very impressed with the whole thing from beginning to end. They guys I coached with were great, and you had a great group of kids on your team. We have been done now for a week and today you told me that you missed it and wished we could play again. There will be plenty of t-ball/baseball in the future.

The next day was Father's Day. Before we left for t-ball you gave me a card that you made at school. It was all about me (my favorite kind of card!) It said that my favorite drink was soda, food - pizza, you like it when I ride bikes with you, and my job is to go to work. You and I got up first this day and you remembered it was Father's Day and got me your card all by yourself. It meant so much to me, JD.

Later, we went to my Dad's house in Ashland, MA. Ad, you stayed home because we didn't want you miss your nap entirely for the day, that wouldn't be good for anyone. JD and I arrived at 11 am, and Liv, Dave and Auntie Meg arrived just after. Grampa was very happy have all of us there, I could tell. As he gets older I see him taking in his kids and grandkids and genuinely making a conscious effort to see us often. I threw a wrench in every one's plans moving to Maine, but he had made a noticed effort to come up and visit. He thinks all of his grandkids are great, and spoils you guys just as you deserve.

We stayed here for a few hours. We had steak, potato's, and yummy dessert that Grama made. Then JD and I hit the road once again. On the way to Grampa' house we took turns picking songs to listen to. Actually we do this now almost everywhere we go. We listened to U2, Tom Petty, Bruce, Slaid, Ray L, Van, Garth, Julie Roberts, and quite a few others. On they back however, I had all of the choices to myself, as JD was out like a light before we hit the highway.

I must say, my Father's day was nice. It was important for me to see my Dad on this day. I can count on him. I'm only 31 right now, but as you get older you kind of find people you can and can't trust. People that if need be you can call on and not feel like you are a burden, or that they are helping you to get something in return. One of my weaknesses is the fact that I have a lot of trouble asking for help or support. I know that my dad may have preferred I had made different choices growing up, but I know that he will support me through anything. That when I need him he'll make the trek up here at the drop of a hat. I hope that he knows that I would do nothing less for him.

After Father's day weekend, it quieted down quickly. No major events to speak about. JD and AD both went up to Grandy and Pops and took Gavin. You all went out on their new boat, and I understand that you docked at a sandbar somewhere and jumped out to swim!

Other than that we have been playing a ton of baseball. JD, after the last day of t-ball, Mom and I got you your very own bat. A real t-ball bat. We also got a few t-balls to toss around. Oh, and I almost forgot! My Father's Day gift was a brand new baseball glove! I love it. I told myself that I would not get another glove until I really needed it. Well JD, you have started to through some heat and it was time. I LOVE IT! I felt like a little kid walking out with it. Its a nice one too. Both of you boys have taken to baseball to so much. I don't think I really push one sport over the other, but both of you love to throw and hit and run the bases. Last week JD and I were out until 9:00 at night playing ball. It got dark so we came in. Ad, you like it just as much. When we play you are right there with us, fielding and running and throwing!

Ad, your favorite outside thing to do is to play on the slide. You climb all the way up by yourself, swing your legs around and slide right down. You also love to be in the sandbox. You spend quite a bit of time in there digging and building. Each time we go to the beach you have spent a ton of time throwing rocks in the ocean, just the same way JD did when he was younger.

We've also, as always, been listening to tons and tons of music. You both enjoy music as much as any two kids I have ever seen. No Barney, no kids stuff at all. We listen to rock n roll and a little country mostly, with a tiny bit of hip hop thrown in there for Addie to do the chicken wing to! JD about a year ago you started taking the responsibility of putting music on for dinner time. You take the initiative to do this now without being asked. Music is on in our house from dawn til dusk.

We've also been at the beach a lot. I have taken both of you the last two weekends and Mom has taken you countless times during the week lately. All of us got to go together today and tomorrow we are planning on going to Ocean Park. It hit me this week, that you guys will at the beach so much that actually might take it for granted one day (I mean this in a good way). I wonder.

We have a busy three weeks coming up. Mom and I are going to Bar Harbor at the end of the week, and you guys to Grandy's, then JD and I go to Loudan with Gramp, then we go see the Sea dogs, and from there we go up to Moosehead Lake.

Lots of fun outdoor stuff to cram into the summer months!

Graduation from Pre-School

Last week was the beginning of "End of school festivities" for JD at Great Beginnings. JD, the one thing I have always thought is so cool about your school is that it's in York, less than a mile from the beach. This year you have gone to Farms, Rumble Tumble, the Fire Station, had a policeman talk, and on more than one occasion, Jess has taken the class to the beach.

Last Thursday you and your class spent one of the last days of school at York Harbor Beach. Jess brought snacks, drinks, play stuff, and all of the students got to invite their families! I snuck out of work for a few hours and met you and Mom and Ad. This was a great little private beach. I've never been there but have driven by 100 times.

When I arrived I saw you, Ad and Gavin playing together. It was low tide, so the three of you were out towards the water a ways. There were some other Mom's and Kids there too. I met Ashton and Hunter.After I said hello to Mom, Jess and Diane, I came out to play with you guys. We played wiffle ball and did a little digging in the sand. Hunter came over and acted as though he wanted to play with us, but when I asked him he declined. He was a little shy.

Ad, lately you have been all about baseball. This is the time of year when JD and I typically play a lot of baseball, but with the hoop now, our time has been split. We don't do anything without you, unless you're asleep. At the beach this day, you where trying to pitch to JD and Gav. You were throwing the ball and the boys tried to hit it. I was a little worried cuz you were so close when you wound up, but it actually worked a few times.

JD, you and Gavin are really best buds. You complement each other, challenge each other, and have a great time together. Gav's mom is my age and she has two other boys, one 11, and one 8 (I think). She said that she hasn't seen a relationship like this with her other boys and that it's unique that you guys get along so well. I often wonder if it will last a long time? I hope so.

The weekend came quickly and we had a game on Saturday. It was a quick game, but we played 3 innings (we usually only play 2) You had your best hit of the year that day. You cranked the ball over everyone. All of the parents in unison said,"Wooooo."

Later on Saturday, Mom went to work. You and Ad and I played baseball outside before the rain came. The three of us had pizza (pepperoni) for dinner and watched the Belmont horse race. It was so fun. We were yelling at the TV and cheering for the Philly. We saw the first win for a female horse in 102 years. Addie, you even got in the spirit. You were yelling and shouting just as loud as JD and I. The next day on Sports Center the race highlights were on, and you looked at me as if to say, "Can we yell again?"

Also that night, you were getting into some serious trouble. You were grabbing the plastic golf club and hitting everything, including JD! Then you snuck into the cabinet to get food more than once. You threw a ball at the TV, and all of this with a smile on your face. I did get a picture of your guilty look at some point throughout the night.

The next day the three of us went to Long Sands Beach as Mom had a boating lesson with Grandy way up north. We arrived at about 7:30 am and stayed for about 5 hours. We picked up some breakfast sandwiches and drinks on the way. This was the first time since I've had either of you that I was able to read the paper at the beach for more than 12 seconds. You guys went off and played together for a good hour and a half or so right when we arrived.
I read the Sports and News section! By the time I was done, I was ready to play. We played ball, chased seagulls, and got our feet wet. You both completely love the beach. Ad, you are taken aback by the birds. You stop in your tracks to look at them and watch them go. JD, you went in the water just about all the way. Your hair wasn't wet but the rest of you was!

When we got home, I mowed the lawn after putting Ad down for a nap. After that JD and I played some baseball, and when Ad woke up we had a picnic at the table under the tree. JD, ever since we moved the table there, you have wanted to eat at it (its been about a month). It was such a nice day today, so we had hot dogs and drinks under the tree, followed by tons of baseball, bike riding, golf, and basketball.

Today was JD's graduation from Nursery School. Last night I told you that this was it for school and you said, "Forever, like I'm never going back?" I explained that you won't go back for school but we would keep in touch with Jess. You got sad, and asked if you would see Gavin anymore. I told you that Mom and Dianne already worked out a schedule for the summer. You asked also about Jess. You really value your relationships with people even though you don't yet now it. You think about events and the implications of events constantly. Your memory amazes me all the time.

The ceremony started with all of the kids walking out with their hats on. Gavin and You were separated which I'm thinking this was not a coincidence. All of the kids sang songs, did sign language, and got awards. I didn't even know you were being taught sign language, but you did a great job. Ad, Mom and I went to the beach while we waited for the ceremony to start.

I have to say JD, I was a little emotional today. Not at the ceremony but before. When I woke up I was thinking of your first day of school in Wellesley. You were so little and it broke my heart to leave you. You've learned a lot at this school in York and as a family we've come a long way. You have gone through little stages in the last two years that Jess has been a part of even if in a very small way. I have enjoyed looking at your projects, watching you learn your letters, and hearing your everyday tales of school. You will miss Jess and I actually think we all will. I always say, you can't go wrong with a red head!

Following the ceremony, our family went with Gavin's family to Friendly's. You two had your own table and ordered HUGE blue drinks. Brett and Dianne are very good people which explains why Gav is such a good guy.

I can't believe that we're on to the next step for JD. In three months you are going to be getting on the bus to kindergarten. I think that might be an emotional day too.

Tickle Flys and Puddles

Hi Guys,

Its been about 10 days since I have written, as always we have been pretty busy.

A few Saturday's ago the four of us headed down to Auburn, MA for your cousin Dave's birthday party. It was a gorgeous day and you both had fun. Dave's cousins from the other side were there and JD, you got along great with Matthew. You two where two peas in a pod all day. You played baseball and lacrosse for most of the time. You were very nice to share some of the cars you got for your birthday with him too.

We arrived pretty early, just after Nan and Grampie B. Meg and Greg were putting last minute touches on setting up and we waited for the other people to arrive. Gramma and Grampa were there, and Grammie and Grampie came too. They had a nice time with you guys, and I think Grammie got to spend some time reading to Livy, which I know she likes to do. Grampie and I had some catching up to do, and were also able to spend a good amount of time, "Straightening it all out" as he says.

After most of the people left, Auntie Meg asked us to help move a swing set from the neighbors house to hers. It was a big old wood set, actually kind of neat. Grampa, Uncle Greg, Greg's bro Mike, Mom and I moved the swing set all the way down the neighbors yard to the street, down the street, and up the hill to Megs, and then placed it in the backyard. It must have been a site to see!
I know at least one car had to stop while we walked on by holding this HUGE swing set. All of the kids hopped on as soon as it was set up. Addie, you enjoyed the slide, while JD climbed to the tippy top and worked the monkey bars!

All in all, it was a very nice day. Everyone seemed very chilled out, which I was happy about. It was one of the first warm but not too warm, sunny days, maybe that helped.

The day after the party was Sunday. It was again, so nice out. We spent all day outside, working in the yard. JD, you helped me pull up some big rocks from the field outback so that I could mow and Ad, you played right next to us the whole time. When it was time for bed that night, JD was coming up with some pretty funny stories to stay up. First you said there was a tickle fly in your room and you didn't want him to bite you.
So I sent Asbury up just in case he came out again so he could defend you from this GIANT MONSTER bug! After that you said that Az was to jumpy, and so on.. You haven't given us trouble about bed in forever, so this was kind of fun. I took a picture of you and your partner in crime!

The next day was Memorial Day. We went to Chris Hamer's for a cookout. It was also a nice day, very hot. We played kickball!
I haven't played this since I was in middle school. It was so fun. JD, you got to pitch for your team each inning and you did well kicking too.
Ad, unfortunately you got suntan lotion in your eye and had a bit of a meltdown. You regrouped though.
By the end you were walking around the infield with your "Wing" pumping. You looked to be dancing but there was no music around! Everyone got a kick out of you.

After kickball JD played some wiffle ball with Chad F, and the rest of us chatted, had a brew, and ate. We finished up the day with a game of horseshoes. I was not on my game. I used to be OK at horseshoes but not that day.

This day was also kind of a farewell to our friends the True's. The have decided to move the Colorado, and will be missed. They introduced us to every good friend we have up here. We owe them a lot. It was kind of sad leaving them that day. Colin is off in CO right now and the family will follow as the house sells.

The next day we celebrated Moms Birthday. She has had one of her most challenging years and she wanted to celebrate her birthday with just the three of us, and that's what we did. After your T-ball game, we got her a cake and two plants from the three of us. We got take out from Cartelli's and the night was just right.
I think Mom enjoyed the night, she said she did many times. She has worked hard and I wanted to make sure she noticed that I/we noticed that it was her bday.

Ad, one day last week, you gave Mom, JD and I a good laugh. We were in the great room and Mom was changing your diaper on the couch.
All of a sudden I hear Mom laughing and when I looked over you were holding a magazine as if your were reading it while she changed you! Like father.....

This past weekend was a great weekend for me. My best friends from home came up for our annual guys weekend. We did what we always do, pick a seat and don't move too far from it for the whole weekend! We had tons of food from the Meathouse, a good amount of the fool's gold, and some good laughs. They are my best friends and I can count on them for anything. This weekend leaves me missing them always, and its always worth it. I have known them since I can remember and I am finally confident that even with the geographical distance between us, it will never change.

This week we got hit with a crazy hail storm. I've only seen it like this once before, about a year and half ago. We got hail this time about as big as a pellet. We also got tons and tons of hard rain. Rain means puddles and puddles mean Addie will want to jump, splash and sit in them for a long time. JD, Grandy and I left for T-ball last night and as we were leaving, Addie spotted a puddle in the driveway. Mom said you whined for 10 minutes until she finally opened the door and out you went. Well, T-ball got cancelled and when the three of us came home, guess who we found sitting in a puddle in the driveway, with a big grin pasted on his face?!

Strange that we are so fascinated with simple things like tickle fly's and puddles when we are young. As we mature we still get fascinated by things, but none are so intriguing as this simple but unique things in life. Maybe you guys will remember days working in the yard, or playing in puddles. I do remember some simple days when I was young.
Not exactly what happened throughout the day, but the feeling of the most simplistic things making me happy and content. I lost most of that along the way, but it comes back to me when I watch the two of you discover these new things..