Champs, Carving, and Bam Bam

Well the Red Sox did it again! Its hard to believe that they won ANOTHER World Series. JD you and I stayed up late on Saturday. JD, you told me that your teacher didn't think it was a good idea to stay up late to watch the Red Sox, so you were a bit hesitant at first. I told you that I thought it would be OK since you had no school on Sunday (not to mention you've stayed up late for all of the others!).

This has been a great season for the Sox and for you and I as fans. You got to know just about all of the players, we saw a game at the Fens, and to top it off they won it all. The World Series was pretty uneventful other than the fact that the Sox were in it. They won in four games with no problem. The final game was pretty tense as they only won by one run. I must say they seemed to have it all at the end of the ALCS and into the Series. Pitching, hitting, defence, it was quite the sight. They have some great young talent that should show some promise for next year. So long to the Res Sox for 2007. Adam, maybe next year to take you to a game???

Saturday brought about the end of our soccer season, JD. It was pouring in the morning and the final game was cancelled. We went to the gym at your school for an awards ceremony at 9:00. Here we announced all of the kids names over the sound system and you all got to come up and get a medal! I had a blast coaching. All of the kids were great and it was so fun getting to know some of the kids you see at school each day. I'm not sure what sports are coming up over the winter. Maybe we'll put you back in karate, or find a league at the gym?

When we arrived home, Mom and Auntie Brooke took off for Portsmouth. Brooke stayed over the night before and they were off the shop for art or something. While Ad took his nap, JD and I carved a pumpkin. Actually I didn't do anything but draw the face, JD, you did the rest. We have a great little dull knife, perfect for a pumpkin. You carved the entire thing all by yourself. You were so proud and it came out great. When Ad woke up we immediately cooked up the seeds and a feast while we colored Halloween pictures at the table. This went on for a long...long...long time!

Sunday we woke up and went for a nice walk at Wagon Hill. It was a beautiful, sunny fall morning. Adam, you walked just about the entire way all by yourself. You like to call for my attention before you complete a task lately. For instance on this day, you would say, "Daddy, daddy, daddy," and I would look over to see you kicking the leaves! You also enjoyed throwing the rocks in the water and climbing with your big bro on the abandoned bridge.

We came home to watch the Pats destroy another opponent by forty-something points. This might be one of those seasons you hear about years from now. They truly look unstoppable. We have also been continuing our weekly dancing tradition. We listen to music all the time and on this day, Adam broke out some new moves!


Tuesday finally came and it was time to Trick or Treat! JD, you looked great in your Jack Sparrow costume and Ad was the best "BAM BAM Rubble" around. Perhaps the only BAM BAM, but nevertheless! We got you both dressed and headed down to the South Berwick parade. Mom, Grandie and I accompanied you both through the parade around town. Adam, you didn't know what to think about all the strange costumes and flashlights. You spent the parade portion on my shoulders while JD, Grandie, and Mom took in the crowd.

We went ALL OVER South Berwick. Adam, you went to many houses with the three of us and did almost all of the walking by yourself. JD, you must have hit 30 houses. You came home with a TON of candy. You both emptied your candy bags out on the dinner table to checkout out all of your goods. You must have had every type of candy bar going, JD even got some popcorn.

This was the first time that both of you were able to enjoy trick or treating together. Adam you followed your brother around town and when you couldn't see him cuz of the dark you would holler at the top of your lungs, "JD, JD!" JD even got you candy at some of the houses you couldn't go to. It was a pretty special night, and nice that Grandie came along. She made both of your costumes by hand! Ad, thanks for the candy along the way, I didn't think you would miss those five or ten pieces!

Bird, Boggs, and Grogan

Friday night my friend Slug came down from VT to spend the night. He was looking to get away for a little bit and was looking forward to spending some time with you guys too. I left work early on Friday and we went out for a drink or two. When we arrived back home JD was waiting up for us with Mom. The three boys went outside to the porch to listen to some music and smoke cigars. JD, you didn't smoke a cigar but enjoyed listening to Dylan and Van with us.

The next morning we were up and out for a 10:00 Soccer game. JD, you came away with two goals on this day. This was the second to last game of the year, and I must say, it's bitter sweet. Slug came to watch as did Grandie and PopPop. We all came back to the house and had sandwiches and a nice lunch together. Shortly after I brought Slug back to his car in Dover and he was off. It was nice to see him. He doesn't get back to Millis much so I'm sure he had a nice time here too.

In the afternoon we played in the playroom pretty much all day. The ground was wet from overnight rain so outside was kind of out of the question. Adam, you have been playing with the skeet ball game a lot lately. Sometimes you just walk into the playroom and turn on the music to that game then leave the room. Its just great to hear that music piping through the house!

JD, on this day we built mostly with Legos. We haven't played with Legos in quite a while. I forgot how relaxing it is to get lost in building with those things. I see that it relaxes you too. After dinner Ad went off to bed and Mom to work and JD and I prepared to watch game 6 of the ALCS between the Sox and the Indians. I must admit they reeled me in again! They were down 3 games to 1, then won game five. They got me believing! J, I explained to you how the series works and you had many questions about my explanation. Throughout the season you have become very good at reading the scoreboard area on the TV screen. You can tell how many outs there are, what the score is, and how many balls and strikes that the batter is working.

This night was my favorite sports experience yet with you. Maybe not better than actually going to Fenway, but certainly close. You were so into the game that it made me that much more interested and involved. There was a time in the beginning of the game where the based were loaded for JD Drew, who was just not been performing all year. He hit a Grand Slam and you and I simultaneously jumped out of our chairs! We cheered, talked, and ate Cheetos together on this night. I let you stay up til 10:00 and by then the game was decided anyway. They home team won! You were ready for bed and out like a light by the time your head hit the pillow. Thanks for this night, JD. I look forward to the day when AD can understand this sport and stay up late with us.

The following morning after watching many Sox highlights, Mom and I packed you guys up and we went to Mt Agamenticus for a hike. This is the perfect hike for kids. Its basically a walk up a hill that happens to be in the woods. There is a great view once you reach the top. Adam you enjoyed the ride on my shoulders the whole way up and down. You talked the whole way waving to people passing us by and noticing birds, planes and other dogs.

JD, you and Asbury lead the way up. I swear, I think you ran up the whole entire Mountain, Az by your side. Asbury made sure you didn't go too far without being by your side. Mom and I noticed on this hike that Az is getting old. He got tired so much easier than he ever did before. By the end he was panting pretty good. His tail was wagging the whole time though as he loves to be outside with his family. He's a good dog and he loves us all.



After our hike we came home to play outside for most of the day. We hadn't played baseball in quite a while but took out the bases and balls on this day. You haven't missed a step with your swing but you fatigued early because I kept you up the night prior. Addie, you came out too and practiced your throwing. You are starting to get some serious zip on the ball!

Later this night was game 7 of the ALCS. I haven't been this nervous for a game in a long time. Even though they won it all in 2004, I still don't trust em'! Its funny JD was alive in 2004 and we watching some games in MA and some in ME. I remember telling him about the bade luck the Sox have had for generations and how lucky we were to be witnessing the Sox in the Series. I had a similar conversation with you tonight, JD. You understand a lot more now, obviously.

Almost all of my great sports memories growing up are with my Dad. Bird, Boggs, Buckner, Grogan, McHale, The Rocket, The Chief, those are the guys my memories are made up of. I can just see you developing small memories of Schilling, Papi, Manny, Brady, and others. ALL of my Red Sox memories inevitably didn't end well. They didn't win much when I was young, and worse then that they always reeled you in and broke your "HAAHT!"

The thing that is funny about this to me is that things for you guys, at the ages of 5 and 2 are already better than they ever were for me, my dad, or the entire life of my Grampa as far as the Sox go! I have to say though there was an unspoken camaraderie between Sox fans for a long time. You could even tell a true fan by a glance that someone would give you who might also be wearing the hometown cap. The caps are camouflaged now amongst pink hats and towel wavers. Casual fans who happened to jump on the bandwagon cuz its the, "Thing to do." Its still fun to be a fan but there was something to say about the years of the Curse. Tomorrow night is game one of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies. GO SOX!

The Negotiator

Last Thursday we had Uncle Michael and his friend Jen stay over for the night. Mike was up from Florida and is looking to move back to New England. He had an interview on Friday and his 30th BDay was also a day or two away. He arrived in the afternoon and was able to spend some time with both of you, Mom, and Grandy.

As always it was nice to see Mike. He always makes time to spend with both of you. Ad, he left for FL after you were born so you are still getting to know each other. He did end up getting the job in Mass and should be back before Thanksgiving. It was a great idea for him to spend a bit of time in Florida but we will all be happy to welcome him back.

The next morning we had our weekly soccer game. Once again we won! JD, you scored right from the kickoff on this week. It was so cool and very funny. You gave the ball a big BOOT and into the net it went. Soccer has been great for both of us this year. I have met quite a few people and you are able to see your friends outside of school. You and Owen are by far the two best players on our little team. We have had to put you both on defense for the final 15 minutes or so as to not run the score up too much.

After the game we went down to Nana's house. Mom stayed home as she had to work on Saturday night and the three of us went south. When we arrived JD found a few new toys and Adam found the snacks! We played with my old, old, "Vibrating Football Game" for quite a while. Adam wanted to play basketball so we did that too.

By the time Nan and Grampie came home Addie had gone to bed and JD and I were watching some weird show on Nick. I went out to Cauf's for the night to watch the game with he and Mikey. JD, you watched a few other shows on TV and had popcorn with Nana!

The next day Adam woke up at 5:30! I was (reluctantly) up with him and we went to the playroom to watch a movie. Ad, you cuddled with me for over an hour which made me think that perhaps you woke up early even for you! JD was up by 7:00 to finish the movie with us. We then went upstairs and had breakfast on the couch with Nana.

By about 10:30 we were at Oak Grove Farm and onto the playground. JD, you hadn't been here for a long time, in fact you didn't remember that we used to live within walking distance. Adam, you loved climbing, running, and swinging in the swing while Nana pushed. You must have stayed in the swing for a half hour. There was another little girl there that you ended up walking up to, checking out, and eventually giving a big hug! Come to find out she lived right down the street from Nan.

THEN we went off to Tangerini Farm to pick out some pumpkins! JD, you were so excited to see all of the pumpkins. You grabbed one quickly and by mistake you ripped off the stem! I was right next to you and told you not to let anyone see. You were so funny and dropped it while looking around to make sure you were in the clear!

Adam, by this time you were TIRED but such a trooper. We walked all over and you kept picking out the littlest pumpkins, the ones you could lift. You tried to say the word, "Pumpkin" but that was easier said then done. You walked around with Nana, while JD picked out his own pumpkin to bring home. When it was all said and done, Nan treated us to 4 pumpkins..

After Ad's nap on this day, we went to Caufs to watch the Pats crush the Cowboys. Here we saw Jimmy, Noah and Jordan, Jeff, Julie, and Ryan, and Mark, Denise, and Riley. Adam you loved chasing the Kitty up the stairs. Throughout the night you kept coming back to me saying, "Kitty? Kitty?" That cat did come back at some point but its stay was short lived.

JD, you played with Jordan all night. At the half we all went outside and the two of you played soccer together. Jim went outside with all of the kids while some of us stayed inside. Mom arrived here too as she was in Lexington having brunch with Brooke. She and Adam left around 7:00 and JD and I stayed.

JD we had quite the adventure the next day. We woke up at 5:30 and had to be home for 8:00 so that you could be at school on time. Mom and I weren't sure what to do here. We certainly didn't want you to be tired for school the next day, but you wanted to stay with the boys and watch the game the prior night. I got to thinking and thought that most parents would have opted to have their kid home in their bed so that school the next day would be no problem. I thought that it would fun for you and I to have an adventure the next day. To leave early and see how it turns out!

On the ride home that morning you pointed out the sunrise, we talked about the Patriots, we talked lots about school, and we laughed and laughed. I thought you might fall asleep on the way home, in fact I encouraged it. This was so much better than doing what most people would do. It was special and I think you might even remember it. We made it back with no problem and I waited for the bus with you that morning. We continued to chat about the weekend and that school might bring for the day. I enjoyed sharing this small adventure with you and I'm sure there will be more to come..

Last night, Wednesday, Mom and I met with your teacher for a teacher/parent conference. We were both a bit nervous going in. Not that we expected a "Bad" report but simply because it was the first time we had EVER had one of these. Your teacher, Mrs Hill, could not be more pleased with you. She told us how helpful you are with the other students. How you negotiate, not only for yourself, but for other kids too. That you are perceptive, academically smart, and socially advanced. She actually said that she hopes that you rub off on other students that aren't as in touch with their feelings.

Needless to say the ride home from this meeting was emotional from Mom and I. I can't remember that last time I was overtaken with emotion so quickly. As I was sitting there I saw in your teachers eyes how much she enjoyed having you in her class. Not once did she indicate even the smallest bit of negativity. She said that once kids understand the social aspect of kindergarten and being in a class, the rest follows. She told us that you are already there.

I often wonder what happens after you leave for the day to go to school. You are typically good about telling us what goes on each day but to get this type of feedback from your teacher is special. You are a thoughtful, intelligent, perceptive, energetic boy. I love you so very much.

Big Spiders and Chicken Nuggets

Fall has officially arrived! The cool air has moved in especially in the mornings and at night. Great sleeping weather of 40 degrees has finally taken over. The leaves have changed and hopefully the hot weather is gone for good.

This past weekend however, we had what will hopefully be our last 80 degree day. Saturday was hot and pretty humid. We started the day off with another soccer game for JD. JD, you scored two goals on this day and once again our little blue team whooped the competition. Grampa made the trip up and arrived around 8:30. He had a great time watching you play.

After our game we all came back to the house and Grampa had some sun flower seeds with us while we hung out, outside. We came in later to discuss the beating that the Red Sox put on the Angels the night prior. They would eventually sweep the series, 3-0. You played some computer games with Grampa before he left. You were happy to have had him here to watch your game.

After he left, Mom put Addie down for a nap and you and I went outside to play basketball and ride around on your scooter a bit. We also put up a tire swing. Mom wasn't very fond of this idea initially but she came around (after it was already hung!). You had a great time swinging on the swing until you got stuck. I was in the back yard and all of a sudden I heard, "Daaaaaaad!" I ran out front and you were swinging with one foot stuck inside and one slapping against the ground!

Adam, you were a tired boy on this day. You slept for about 3.5 hours and by the time you woke up, the rain had started pouring. You and JD went upstairs chasing each other all over and wrestling for a good hour. Mom and I talked about this being the first time that you have both really played together.

This behavior carried on right through Sunday. All morning you were both upstairs, running and yelling. Once in a while one of you would let out a screech, but for the most part we let you work it out. It has been so fun to watch you both enjoy the company of one another. Tonight Adam was throwing the ball to JD and JD would pick up the ball and walk it back so that Adam could chuck it again. We also did quite a bit of dancing on this night. With Bruce's album now out for over a week, it's been the record of choice at home..

The weekend wouldn't have been complete without a few trips to the playground at Hussey School. We arrived here after one of Adams naps. Adam takes after his mom when waking up from his naps, he doesn't like to be talked to,fussed with, or even looked at. Adam, you slept for such a long time that we had promised JD we would go to the park when you awoke.
When you woke up we put you in your booster seat for some quick chicken nuggets before we took off. You didn't want to eat..then you did..then you didn't. We put you in the car and you threw a fit! We couldn't figure out why, and finally you pointed inside and said, "Chicken." We gave you the plate with chicken on it and off we went to the playground. When we got to the playground you were NOT giving up your plate. Mom and I were not in the mood for a battle so you walked all around the playground with your fragile dinner plate and your chicken nuggets!

This week we also took out all of our Halloween decorations. We have quite a few decorations for one of the less important holiday's. Big spiders, skeletons, haunted houses, sticky pumpkins, you name it! Adam you DO NOT like the big spider decoration. For the first night we had it up you wouldn't walk by it without taking your eye off it. JD, surprisingly enough, you decided to chase Adam all around the house with the spider before it was hung! Needless to say Adam didn't find this too amusing.

JD is very excited about Halloween this year. You are planning on being a Pirate! Adam, we have always joked that you are just like Bam Bam from the Flintstones cartoon. We are leaning towards dressing you as him this year. You are big and strong for a little guy and with your bleach blond, toe-head hair, it's pretty much a no-brainer!

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Even though the days are noticeably getting shorter and wind it picking up, its simply a more comfortable time of year. We ended the weekend with our 3rd straight Sunday S'mores night. Adam, you're really getting the hang of the process. Not necessarily the 'making s'mores' process but the 'hunting for the chocolate' process. You have managed to sneak extra chocolate each of these nights! There is truly no place like New England in the Fall.

Hat-Trick

Last week brought an exciting soccer game on Saturday. Mom had a craft fair so Chris came over to watch Adam so I could focus my full attention on coaching. I had to make sure I was focused and thinking strategically at all times! JD, you got the first hat-trick of your young career. 3 Goals! You were so excited after the first goal. You got the ball on a breakaway and put it right passed the goalie! The next two were a little less dramatic but still just as impressive! You aren't comfortable working the ball to your left. I'm hoping you don't have the same bit of uncoordination that I have with my feet. I was never a good soccer player when I was forced to play the field, I think that's why I enjoyed playing in the net so much. I will try to work with you a little bit, but if you aren't into it, I certainly won't push..

After the game we came back and hung out with Chris for a while. Adam, you did very well, shedding no tears at all after I left. Chris said that for the first half hour you wouldn't stay in the same room as him and would peak around the corner to see what he was doing. By the time it was time for him to go, you were wrapped around his leg!

After Adam's nap we went to JD's school to take advantage of the huge playground located behind the school. As soon as we got to the parking lot and I got Ad out of his seat, you were both off and running to the other side of lot and down the hill, right to the playground. JD, you seem to be very comfortable at school but I think that the more we go down there to hang out on the grounds, you become even more accustom to your surroundings.

Adam, you like climbing all the way up to the highest platform and sliding down the twisty slide, while JD has been a fan of the jungle gym and swings. Adam, for a little guy I'm surprised that you don't mind the height of the slide. It's a little nerve racking watching you go up but I don't want to discourage you either. Sometimes you climb right up the slide itself! JD you have done so well with the monkey bars. You don't seem to have a problem going from one side to the other. You also like to be pushed very high on the swings. Adam, you like to sit on my lap while we swing together.

We stayed here for almost and hour and a half and then we headed to the market to grab some burgers. I got three huge beef patties and three BIG potatoes. I microwaved the potatoes to cook them through and them marinated them in veggie oil and sea salt. From there I toasted them on the grill along with the burgs. Needless to say, you both ate the entire meal!

Sunday morning we were up early. I made pancakes for us and we listened to Bruce's new songs on Youtube as they weren't studio released yet. Then we went to the soccer field for a few hours and practiced turning the ball to the left and shooting quickly. Adam, you enjoyed playing very much. Typically during the games and practices you aren't allowed to come on the field so this was quite a treat for you!

For the rest of the day we did a bunch of things. We went to the playground again, played basketball, football and baseball, and hooked up JD's makeshift T-Ball swing machine. After dinner we had s'mores over the fire. We are kind of starting a Sunday night s'mores tradition!

Tuesday night, Bruce's new disc, "Magic" was released. JD, you and I stayed up and listened to it front to back. I'm sure we will hear this over and over and over as the concert nears.

The Red Sox start the ALDS series tonight against the Angels. JD you watched the first four innings with me. We saw Yuke and Papi go deep and they are currently leading 4-0 and Angles have Zero's across the board in the 7th! I tried to keep you up, Addie, but you needed to hit the rack. Maybe next time?