"NO!"

JD, you have continued to make progress at school. This week you have been sitting with your friends Bethany and John on the bus. You have all talked about getting together sometime soon, but you're not sure where they live. The both seem very nice. You have called John your new, “Best Friend” and Bethany is the mysterious girl who told you that she loves you. There are three girls on the bus that have been teasing you about being cute!

Mom and I thought it would be nice to have some of your new friends from school over to the house to play sometimes soon. Tonight when I came home from work, I saw you and Mom sitting at the table and Mom had a great big smile on her face. I asked her what was funny and she told me that you had started to make your list of friends to come to house to play. She looked at me and said, "Well Jim this was a good idea, we are on kid number 13!" Needless to say, we may have to make some cuts!

Adam, your vocabulary has taken off over the last week and half or so. Your favorite
word, of course, is "NO." You truly have a mind of your own. The transition of JD going to school has been a bit challenging for you. Although Mom keeps you active during the day, its impossible to keep you as active as JD did! You're favorite foods right now are chicken, black beans, yogurt, and all meat pizza! You will really eat just about anything as long as its not moving!

This weekend we started off with a soccer game at 9:00. Saturday was picture day, so we arrived at 8:15. JD, you spent the majority of the time playing with Owen and Amy prior to the game. By the time we started, it began to drizzle just a bit and the parents were hoping that the rain would hold off. It did, but it was a tough day for our team. Tough day. We got smoked. The first loss of the season. We're now 2 and 1, but again, who's counting...

After our game the four of us and Asbury headed up to Gray to see Grandie and Pop Pop. I helped Pop clean out his storage unit and move some things from the cabin to his new office above the garage. While I did this, Grandie put Addie down for a nap and JD and Mom took out the boat. The lake was low so Mom was a bit nervous but she went anyway. I have always loved her fearless side and its nice to see it pop up every so often. It has been important for her to spend time with you, JD. She misses you throughout the day.

We had one of Pop Pops best dinner's ever. I say that knowing that there have been quite a few good meals over the years. We had steak, corn, salad, potato's and pie. The steak and potatoes were cooked special and I completely enjoyed them.

After you guys went off to bed, the adults watched a movie. Some murder movie, it was OK. Afterwards Grandie and I stayed up late and were able to catch up. We have similar views on things and I enjoy and value her comments and support.

The next day we were up and out early as I had to interview a candidate in Dover at Noon. .JD, you came with me to the office while I met with this women. You kept yourself busy by playing computer games and stealing a soda from the fridge!

We arrived home around 2:00 and watched the Patriots whoop the Bills while doing some yard work in between. JD helped me load the wheelbarrow of grass clippings and Adam took a ride with me on the mower.

After dinner it was time for S'mores! The four of us went outback and lit a small fire as to roast some marshmallows for the s'mores Mom had a "Three Prong" stick and helped you both put your treats together. At this point, JD, you are pretty much a pro. I don't think I had a s'more until I was in my 20's you have probably had more in your lifetime than I have had in mine!

Oh, and we DID get Bruce tickets! I struck out as they sold out in seven minutes but Benoit got six and will share two of them with us. We already have a pretty big crew to go with. I can't wait, and I know you will enjoy it too, JD. This will be my 19th time seeing him in concert. I hope so much that he comes around a few more times so that I can bring both of my boys together...

"Knucklehead!"

Well, last week brought JD's first full week of school and Adam's first week home without a big brother to answer to for the majority of the time. You both missed each other very much. Adams feelings were a little more obvious that JD's. On Wednesday of last week, when JD's bus came down the street Adam started to dance in the driveway. Mom wasn't the only person who noticed your dance moves Adam, JD's bus driver alerted him that you were dancing too! When JD got off the bus you ran up to him for a great big hug.

You have always been quite the dancer but this week you have been especially ready to shake your thing. You've been trying to say the word, "Song" and pointing to the computer. This is where we listen to all of our music. You have been seen dancing on a the dinner table, on the deck, in your booster seat, outside on the sandbox, and just about everywhere else that I can think of!

JD, it's still very strange for me to realize that you are off at school for 8 hours of the day. You have met three people on the bus that you have been playing with at recess, you know everyone in your class, and you see you soccer and t-ball friends regularly at lunch. So far things have started off well. In talking to other parents I have learned that school has not gone as smooth for some others. I have learned that kids have been put in timeouts and in some cases parents have already been called at home because of behavior issues. You mentioned to me that some of the boys in your classroom have been reprimanded for fooling around or for hitting. The feedback we have received from your teacher has been SO positive. I have been so proud of the way you have handled some situations. You told me how a boy tried to come into the bathroom stall, when you were there and you said, "I'm in here, you knucklehead." You told me about how a girl on the bus did something rude to you and you kept quite and decided not to tattle on her. (You also told me today that the same girl told you that she loves you and that her friend said that she has a crush on you!) You told me how some kids were pushing each other on the playground and I asked you what you would do if they were to push you. You said that you would tell them to stop. I suggested that you call them a butthead too. You replied,"I wouldn't do that because I don't want to get in trouble." Hmm..

I have really seen you grow up this week. I know you're still a little boy of only five years old, but I have seen you tested in different ways in your new big world. I couldn't be happier with the boy you are. I expect that we'll see ups and downs this year, but I'm confident that you will be just fine with the tools you have acquired. You and I have talked about the ongoings of each day since you have been in school in great detail. The decisions that you have made in different situations may be small to you, but they are not small to me.

Last weekend we had a soccer game scheduled to be played on Saturday that got cancelled due to heavy rain. The night before we did manage to get practice in and scrimmage another team. I have to say, our team is coming together. We're 2 and 0 but who's keeping score?

Nana and Grampie were in town for a soccer game so they stopped by for a few hours on Saturday afternoon. They hadn't been up in a long time so it was nice to have them. You did a puzzle and played games with Nan while Grampie and I watched the Irish get the butts handed to them on TV. Later in the afternoon the clouds parted and we were able to go outside to play basketball and go for a walk with Nana while Grampie rested. I enjoyed talking with my Mom on this day and I'm grateful to have her love and support. She brought a breath of fresh air for me with her to Maine..

Sunday Mom, Ad, JD, and I met Grama, Grampa, Meg, Greg, Liv, and Dave at Canobie Lake Park. This is the second straight year we have gone and what a difference compared to last year! This year Dave and Adam went on quite a few rides. When we arrived, JD took Livy's hand and they went on a kiddie ride. JD, after you're ride with Liv, you said that you would take Adam on a ride. You took him on his first ride ever! You wanted no part in being in the kiddie section but you spent at least an hour going on rides with all of the younger kids.

Adam, you cried a little. Not when being put on the ride, but when being taken off! You could have stayed on those rides all day. Dave was the same way. It was quite comical for others to witness I'm sure. Each time a ride ended and Dave and Ad noticed their parents walking toward them to pull them off they both got upset! You even went on one of the medium level rides. The helicopter ride where you pull in the bar and the copter goes high up and when you let out the bar it comes down. You and JD rode this ride together. It went about 14 feet in the air! JD, you were so patient with the kids but finally you got your turn too. You rode one of the roller coasters, you drove the old fashion car, and you went on your favorite ride, The Flume. You had been asking all day if we could go on the flume but by the time we got down there the line was SO long. Mom made good case for you saying that this is your very favorite ride and that we should brave the line for you. We did and it was SO fun. You were a little apprehensive going up the huge hill but, as always, you enjoyed it very much.

My favorite part of the day came at the one of the game counters. You wanted to play the basketball game, where you shoot a regulation size ball into one of those very small hoops. There were a bunch of young teen age kids spending quite a bit of money trying to sink a bucket, shot after shot. Grampa asked you if you wanted to play and bought three balls for you to shoot. On your first shot you sunk it, swish! It was awesome! You won a Celtics hat! The look on the faces of those other boys was priceless.

All in all it was a very nice day with new experiences for the little kids. This weekend we have a soccer game at 10:00, the same time that Bruce tickets go on sale.

How am I going to work this one?

The Yellow Submarine

JD, Wednesday of this week was one of your biggest milestone's to date. Not only was it your first day of Kindergarten, but your first day riding the bus from home to school all by yourself.

About a week ago you, Mom and I went to the Hussey school for your orientation. We met your teacher, Mrs. Hill, saw the gym and your classroom, and you got a chance to ride the bus! You were the first one on the bus that day and didn't even say goodbye to Mom or I. I sensed you taking a deep breath and just doing it. I was so proud of you, but I found myself taking a deep breath too. You are growing up. You don't need me to get you to school and you are learning how to do things on your own. You'll be making your own observations and decisions at school. I wonder how you'll do, but I know you'll do well. You are a sweet, caring, energetic, sensitive, boy. I couldn't be more proud of little person you have grown in to.

So along came Wednesday. I had been thinking of this day for quite a while. Wondering how you would do, and how Mom and I would do too! I woke you up at about 7:15 on this day and you put on the outfit that you and Mom picked out the night prior. You came downstairs and we all had breakfast. From there you wanted to go outside and play while you waited. We were calling the school bus the "Yellow Submarine." You kept saying, "When is the yellow submarine going to come!"

Over the weekend prior you enjoyed playing with my old skateboard at Nana's house. You asked her if you could take it home to Maine, but she preferred that you leave it in Mass for you to play with when you come down. You asked Mom and I on the way home from Mass if it would be OK for you to buy a skateboard with your own money that you had saved. The next day you picked out a Spiderman board at Target.

SO, this first day of school morning you were playing on your board, while waiting for the bus and BINGO, right off the board and onto your elbow! Mom got you a band-aid and we decided you we would simply wait rather than play on your board!

We saw the bus start down the street and I had butterfly's in my stomach. It approached and door swung open. You gave me and mom a hug and kiss and you hopped right on.
No tears or anything like this at all. You just hopped on the bus and off you went. Mom and I were both teary as the bus pulled away. It struck me how much confidence I have in you. You have a good head on your shoulders and I truly believe you can do anything you want to. I don't think this is true of everyone, but I think its true of you.

Mom emailed your teacher after the first day to find out how you did. This is what your teacher wrote to Mom: "I'm glad you e-mailed - I don't mind the questions at all! I think JD had a good first day - he is a terrific listener, and he was a big help in our room. I also picked up that he is very observant, and he did wonderfully sharing and getting along with the other kids. I'm very happy to have him in our room - he is a sweetheart, as I'm sure you already know :)"

I would say that about sums it up.

"I was Born in a Small Town"

We started out Labor Day weekend on Friday night with JD's first soccer practice in Berwick. Coach Adam and I are coaching your team and there are about 11 kids. Almost all of them are girls! Only three boys, Owen, Ethan and you. Friday night we met down at the Hussey school and began to kick around the ball. You were an excellent listener as were most of the kids that night. I am looking forward to this season even more now than I was before the practice that evening. We seem to have great kids and (So Far) pleasant parents.

The next day, JD, Adam and I went out for morning bike ride after breakfast. JD and I had planned on going down to Junction road because there was a dirt bike trail he wanted to explore. I put Ad on the back of Mom's mountain bike and off we went! JD you are riding you bike like its second nature at this point. You ride one handed, pop little wheelies, and stand on the middle bar with both feet while riding. Its very fun to watch and it reminds me of doing similar tricks when I was younger. I am working with you now on a, "Kick out" and an "Endo."

Adam, you love to ride on the back of the bike. You sit so content and sometimes tickle my back (on purpose) when we ride. When you get a reaction out of me you laugh and laugh. For this trip you had your bag of "Sun Chips" with you to keep you entertained. You LOVE to carry bags of food with you anywhere you can. We got quite a few smiles from passers by as we made our way along on our trip. You must have looked like you were at the movie snacking while JD and I peddled along. It doesn't seem like long ago that I was carting JD around in that little bike seat. I'm sure you will be riding your bike along side us before I know it.

I have to say that I love the age you are at right now, Ad. You're so little and impressed by the smallest things. I can put my whole hand on your torso and tickle you. You have the biggest, brightest smile I have ever seen. It reminds me of my friend Jim' s smile. It immediately makes you happy and brightens up a room. You have come into your own sense of humor too. You truly make jokes and find them so funny. You follow JD around like a little brother does, but you also take the leadership role during some of your interactions. You give me a hug, kiss and high five before I leave for work every day, and before bed every night. We started this routine with JD when he was your age and you have kept it going. This morning in fact, I was running a little late and was rushing out the door. I yelled, "Bye Ad", and you came running over with your arms extended for a hug. You started my day off great and I thought about that hug on my way to work. You and I truly connect just as I do with JD. You are a special boy.

ANYWAY! We went on this trip and the dirt road was not what we expected. We got about 100 feet in, and we came to a stream in a small ditch. No big deal, we crossed it after a few minutes and got to the other side. On the other side was a trail that had not been kept well. We had to turn around, cross the stream again and head out of the woods. It was fun while it lasted! From here we went toward South Berwick for another mile or so. This was probably the longest bike ride that JD has taken, and you did SO well! Adam proceeded to chomp on his chips, "OOH and AHH" at "Birdies" and tickle me on the way home. It was a nice, relaxing, ride.

The next day Mom, Az and the three of us went to Massachusetts for a cookout at Caufs on Sunday and Nana's on Monday. We arrived at Caufs around 2:30 so we could spend some time with the Caulfields before everyone else arrived. Riley is a few months younger that Ad and she is beautiful.
Soon enough a whole bunch of other people arrived. Jim and his family, Chris and his, Mikey, Kiki, the Kanes and plenty of others. It was such a fun night. All of my friends from back home just adore both of you and you both feel the same about them. JD you played with Bryan who is 9 days older than you, as well as Jordan, Jamie, and Casey. You guys were running all over, in and out and all of you were up very late! I had just as much fun watching you play with them as I did spending time with my friends. Times like that make me wish we stayed around..

The next day was lots of fun too. Meg, Greg and the kids came to Nan's as did Gram and Grampie and Grampie B. JD, you spent most of the time playing on my old skateboard. We also put the TV in for Nana, played ball and spent some nice time talking and waking up together in the morning. Adam, you were playing with a push toy outside and climbing all over chairs and couches inside!

David and Livy played with us almost all of the afternoon. This is the first time I was able to see Dave so animated. He was also climbing everywhere it was so fun to see him so mobile. Liv and I were able to spend some time together too. Her time means a lot to me and she is my only niece and she couldn't be more special. I love her personality and that little twinkle in her eye. I also enjoy seeing her giving my sister a run for her money. She picked up right where I left off!

On our trip back home to Maine, I was sad to leave. Millis is my home. My comfort zone and it always will be. A place where I can truly exhale. Like in the song "Small Town" where Mellancamp talks about all the little aspects of a small town that go unnoticed or are taken for granted. It was nice to come home with everyone and spend time in a place where, "People let you be just who you who to be."