"Burgers"

They did it! The Celtics won their first championship in 22 years last night! It was a long time coming for the most decorated franchise in basketball history but it finally happened. The C's have gone through some tough, boring, disappointing years. As I've said many times, I love basketball. Its my favorite sport, and I see you both enjoying it as much as I do, but the Celtics (and the NBA) has been so hard to watch for such a long time, I truly lost interest. This year was different.

The Celtics have proven to be a classy, unselfish organization with some main players that kids can actually look up to. KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen seem to be the real deal and lucky to have found each other this year. The playoff series brought old school basketball to the forefront and completely sucked in New England. I enjoyed The Finals more than any of the Patriots Superbowls and almost as much as the Red Sox World Series victories. It brought back memories of cheering on Larry and boys with my family on Sunday afternoons. Eating meals on the porch and listening to the neighbors cheer on the Green as we were doing the same.

JD, I have allowed you to stay up to watch portions of each game. One major disappointment of the playoffs in the NBA is the start time; 8:30 or 9:00 at night. Way to late for kids of any age, never mind adults. We got into it big time. Adam, you have a Rajon Rondo jersey, JD has KG, and have Paul Pierce. We looked high and low for these shirts but finally came away with a couple. Ad, you didn't make it to any of these games, but you were able to watch some pre-game action. JD, you and I had so much fun watching together. You have excellent questions all the time and you're so fun to cheer with. I find myself looking forward to when you guys get older and we can really enjoy the hometown teams together. Mom has taken an interest in the Celts for their playoff run too. She even mentioned that she enjoys watching basketball more than any other sport. News to me, but I'll take it!

The last two weeks consisted of some fun events. Two weeks ago we went to David's birthday down at Auntie Megs. JD, you ran off to play with Matthew, Corey and Mike's son, and Addie played with the younger kids, mostly taking turns riding Dave's new big wheel. He got some pretty cool stuff. We gave him some cars and a monster truck that you both picked out.

The weather has been very nice overall and Adam has been to the beach with Mom about four or five times each week. Adam, you are becoming very comfortable in the water, going in until the water is up to your waist. You enjoy chasing the seagulls, pointing out planes, and digging away. Mom has done an excellent job making friends with other moms who has kids your age. You are rarely alone on your trips to beach or to that playground, another place you and mom frequent while JD is in school.

A few weekends ago, I was excited to have my annual boys weekend away with my friends. The boys from Millis and I have been going away each year for the last five during the first week in June. Funny, these guys who I used to see every day of the week for years and years, now have to plan special time to get together. We're all married and most of us now have kids or are in the process of making a kid or two.

This year we went to Chris' families place on the Saco River in North Conway. JD, you call Chris, "Big Chris" as we have another friend "Chris" in Dover. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful weekend on a stunning spot on the river. It was almost too good for us as we don't do a whole heck of a lot during these weekends.

While I was away and Mom had some people to the house, you boys spent some time at the cabin with Grandie and PopPop. As always, you both had a great time and were all tuckered out upon your arrival home. Not as tuckered out as Grandie and Pop I'm sure! They took you guys to the Wildlife Park to see, Moose, Bear, a Bobcat and you even fed the deer. It actually sounds just like the Trailside Museum, a place my Grammie and Grandpie took me when I was young. Grandie and PopPop also took you out on the boat to the sandbar for the first time this season. You got a nice warm day and spent quite a bit of time in the water!

Last weekend was great. Mom went down to Massachusetts for Colleens baby shower. I knew she would be out all day long as she hasn't seen Colleen in a long time. Our day started nice and early with a T-Ball game for JD. We were at the field at 10:00 for a quick three innings. JD, you had your best hit of the year on this day. A nice rip to left that almost took off a little guys head that wasn't paying attention. After your game, you asked if we could spend some time at the school playground, and that's what we did. You brought your soccer ball to kick around and shoot some hoops with and Adam spent most of the time climbing away on the play set.

After a good two hours at the playground we were all getting hungry. As we were walking back to the car, I said, "Who's hungry." Adam piped up right away saying, "I'm hungry for a burger!" JD and I got a kick out of this! Needless to say we went to the market and got some jalapeno/cheddar burgers to cook up on the grill. They were so good. Good call, Ad.

The rest of the day consisted of playing soccer, basketball, wiffe ball, baseball, airplane making, and catch. JD, you can really catch the ball now. I had the most enjoyable time playing with you on this day. At the end of this day we read books on JD's bed before you guys dozed off to sleep. We read, "Head to Toe" and "Harold and the Purple Crayon." At night before bed for the last two weeks or so, you each pick a book and I pick one too (usually a short one) and we cuddle up on JD's bed to read all three. Ad is always on my left and JD on the right. You both pay such good attention and I try not to skip too many pages (kidding).

This was one of those days, a perfect day. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with, and teaching you both on this day. Everything clicked, and we were all on the same page. I could tell that you both enjoyed this day for what it was too. I have many fond memories of my childhood, and remember having days that I didn't want to end. I remember that feeling. Food tastes better, every song on the radio is a good one, and connections feel tight. Thats what this day was for me. As you guys went to bed on this night, I didn't want the day to end.

Adam has reached another milestone this week. Ad, you have been sleeping in your big boy bed for the last six nights! Its a big, comfortable, double bed and you can't get enough of it. Just like JD used to do, you call us to come get you after your nap or when you wake up in the morning, you won't get out on your own, and that is fine by me!

We winded out the weekend with Fathers Day. You both gave me home made cards, the kind I like the best and Mom made me pancakes in the morning. For lunch the weather wasn't great but we decided to go to Portsmouth to see the boats and grab some lunch on the water. We went to the Stockpot on this day and sat down to what was a very fun meal, but the food was disappointing. More importantly we were able go out on the deck after our meal and take a look at the tug boats (in the picture on the left), the speedboats and Adam enjoyed the, "Big bridge."

JD, you finished school yesterday. I truly can't believe that it's over. I feel like we just put you on the bus a few weeks ago. You are given one of three grades for every, "Subject." You received the highest grade on every option that there was from academic stuff to social interaction. You've only been out for one day and Mom has a bunch of play dates already booked for the next few weeks!

The summer is here..

Sun Still Shining

This weekend was Memorial Day weekend. We’ve had a run on nice weather lately and this weekend didn’t disappoint. Saturday we had JD’s batathon to attend. The batathon essentially helps to raise money to Berwick Baseball. The kids pledge to get a certain amount of points and the points are tallied up based on how far the hit the ball. We had our pictures taken first and then we were off to the batathon! JD, you scored the most points on your team. You had 8, 10 point shots out of 10. You did such a great job taking your time before swinging. When one of the other boys got a good hit and heard him say, “I can hit just like JD!”

Later in the day Gavin came over and we played outside for a good portion of the day. Basketball, hide and seek, croquet and guns. At night Caden, Chad, Ashley and Chad came over for dinner and to watch the Celtics. Chad and I took on you and Gavin in a game of two on two basketball and we won by quite a large margin! Mom took Caden, Gavin, JD, and Adam down to feed the horses carrots. Gavin had been asking if he could feed the horses ever since he arrived on this day, and Chad mentioned that Caden really likes horses.

Afterwards we ordered pizza and got ready for the game. I have had as much fun watching the Celtics this year as I have in a long time. I have enjoyed them as much as the Pats and the Sox as of recent. This was a nice relaxing evening that we all enjoyed very much. Are thoughts were with the Hamer’s as they were expecting their baby over a week ago! They didn’t attend anything this weekend as Tara is literally waiting to pop!

JD had Gavin sleep over on this night, and they had both told us that they would be up all night! By the time 8:00 rolled around, Gav was conked out! JD, you came down to let us know that the trees outside his window were scaring him! Chad and Ash were still around at this point and mom and I decided to let you stay up to watch the first half of the game. JD, you asked question after question about basketball, and we had a great time hanging out with you.

You have been playing a lot of basketball lately. I have come home from work on more than one occasion to see you outside by yourself shooting at the hoop. It reminds me of me when I was younger. I would play basketball to relax myself, a few times each day.

The next day the five of us were excited to make our first real trip to the beach this season. We woke up to the beautiful sun shining in the morning and it didn’t take us long to pack up the car and get going! We were also excited to meet Grandpa, Grandma, Liv and Dave at Long Sands on this morning.

It was SO refreshing to see you all running and jumping, playing in the sand and getting wet in the water. David and Livy were running around everywhere! They were not shy of the water either! Dave just kept walking and walking toward the water and into the water. I think if we had swimmy things on his arms he would still be going! He really enjoyed the seagulls saying, “Go see, seagulls” over and over and over.

Livy was the same way. She wanted to spend all of the time near the water. Ad, you and Livy seem to gravitate toward each other when we all get together. This day was no different; I had fun spending time with both of you in the water.

Grandpa and Grandpa had the idea of bringing your cousins on this day and a great idea it was. I hope they continue to do this throughout the summer. They took such good care of Dave and Liv. I think Dave spent the latter half of the day cuddling up to Grandpa when he began to get tired.

Grandma and Grandpa weren’t able to make your birthday the weekend prior and were happy to give you your presents at the beach!

JD, you also had a nice weekend with Gavin. Gavin is always very respectful of Adam and even Asbury. After Gavin went home, Adam woke up asked immediately for Gavin. “Gavin, home?” He has spent a lot of time at our house over the past two years and JD, you have spent a good amount of time with his family too.

Monday was Memorial Day and we went to Chad and Caden’s for a 12:00 cookout. Once again we were granted a beautiful day by Mother Nature. There was about 30 pounds of meat at Chad’s on this day and no one was shy about digging right in. Chad is a heck of a cook and he showed off some new dishes; I did not object.



Mom was able to get some girl time in with Caden. She enjoyed making a fairy house in the woods out of sticks, leaves, and flowers. Mom remarked afterwards how it was nice to have helped Caden with this small task.

I brought my glove and actually played some adult catch with Chad and Chad. I felt good to throw a few curve balls again, and mess around with some (poor looking) knuckle balls. We are hoping to get down to the field later in the summer to make use of the pitching machine!

We enjoyed the company and weather at Chads for almost five hours on this day. We left just in time to make JD’s T- ball game. The kids on the team were in rare form that evening. I think everyone was feeling the effects of a long day and longer weekend. At one point Ethan put on a pink helmet, and used Anna’s pink bat and said, “I’m a batting princess.” It really cracked me (and everyone else) up! This seemed to set the tone for the evening. Kind of a whacky end to our Memorial Day Weekend!

"Turtlie"

The day following your kid’s party was your family party! On this Sunday, Meg and her family, Nana, Grampie and Brick, and Grandy came over to celebrate your birthday…again!

We lucked out again with sunny weather. Truthfully, if we were going to have bad weather it would rather have had it on this day rather than the prior. I don’t know what we would have done with all of those kids inside!



This day had an exciting start to it. Mom and I decided to get you a turtle and aquarium for your birthday! Mom said that you had mentioned a turtle a few weeks ago and she thought it would make a nice pet. Before anyone arrived, you and Ad were playing outside and mom and I set up your turtle and his new home in the playroom. When we were done, we called you both in where you found a blanket covering what would reveal itself to be your turtle in its new home. JD, as you took off the blanket you had smile from ear to ear and you said, “OOH my goooshhh, a turtle!” Then you asked, “Do I get to take care of it? Is it mine.”? Adam, you couldn’t believe that there was a turtle inside the playroom! You were saying, “Daddy, turtle?” After much deliberation you came up with a very creative name for her, “Turtlie.”



Later in the day when everyone arrived, JD was once again, very patient waiting you open his gifts. We had yummy BBQ food that mom and I got at the Meat House. Chicken, sausage, burgs, and some other stuff. We love the Meat House and on this day the food didn’t disappoint.

After dinner it was time to open your gifts. You got some cool stuff from everyone and were appreciative of it all. You started feeling a bit ill toward the end of the day, but held it together well.
Grandy commented that you didn’t seem yourself by the end and I thought the same. We found that you may have had strep throat, and got you on medicine the next day.

JD, you had a nice time with your cousins on this day. I heard you talking with David, who was a little shy, but opening up a lot more each time he comes over. You were asking him if he wanted to come see your new turtle and of course he did. He spend quite a bit of time with the turtle after this introduction!

Ad, you couldnt wait to eat the cup cakes, not even for us to take the candles off!

SIX

Six years old! JD, you picked out Red Sox plates and cups and had a “Cowboy” theme to your party this year. You and mom went out a few weeks ago to pick out your party stuff and you were set on getting cowboy hats for everyone.

This was your first real, kid’s birthday party. In the past mom and I chose to keep your birthday small and intimate so that you could enjoy the party and actually know that the party was for you. This year you chose to invite seven kids, nine including you and Ad.

Everyone arrived at 1:00 and most parents dropped their kids off. Gavin and Owen were the first to arrive and immediately took to each other. The three of you waited for everyone else in the side yard, playing with the wagon and hitting the baseball around. Soon enough everyone arrived and you all took off to your clubhouse. All of the kids completely enjoyed playing in the clubhouse. They were climbing up the ladder to the loft, jumping off of the fence outside and hiding in the back where the horses used to sleep.



JD, you were truly in your element on this day. You did a great job showing attention equally to each of the kids at your party, but spent more time with Andrew Q toward the end. It wasn’t until this day that I realized how large our property is. We had kids at both ends at some points throughout the day. I used your walkie-talkies to keep track of Gav and Owen when the went far enough where I couldn’t see them. They spent time looking for bugs, Ethan and Harley enjoyed playing in the sandbox, Regan was shooting hoops for a while and Andrew B played baseball almost all day long.

Toward the middle of the day it was time for cake and piñata. This year for your cake you asked for vanilla cup cakes. Rather than eating them at the table outback, we had them on the steps near the driveway. You had some things in mind for this party and we stuck to your ideas pretty well. After the cupcakes, the piñata was so fun. You chose a pinata shaped like a skateboard! Mom twirled the kids in circles, blindfolded them, and sent them off to try and smash the piñata wide open! You were first and started swinging at everything in site, except for the piñata. Everyone else kind of followed suit, swinging at everything. Gavin almost hit mom’s car on the other side of the driveway.

This birthday party was a major success. All of the kids had so much fun and enjoyed all of our toys very much. I enjoyed playing with some of your friends for the first time. By the end of the day I was exhausted! I can usually hang with you guys pretty well but on this day, I was spent. Hot bath for me by night time and I fell asleep on the couch at night!

As the day wrapped up I really felt like you enjoyed yourself so much. You had all of your best buds there and it was fun to watch you interact with all of them. At one point Regan started telling a story about something that happened in your class and then you and Andrew B jumped in and added to the story. It was fun to see the little camaraderie you all have together. I couldn’t help but to think that this was foreshadowing for future things to come. I don’t take your age for granted; at least I don’t think I do. I enjoy your age for what it is and I hope that you growing up won’t go by as fast as I think it will. On that day standing under the hoop talking to the three of you, I had one of those moments where I say to myself, “Uh oh, he is getting a little older.” Eventually the kids were gone and once again it was just you and I shooting hoops, talking like we do, the same way we started the day. I know you’re just a little guy, but you make me so proud all the time. The way you handled yourself on this day was fair and fun; I learned more about you today. Happy Birthday, James.