Emma: Why does Papa go on airplanes all the time?
Ben: Because he travels around the world to take pictures!
amazing insight & compassion from two years ago
Today’s President’s Day… Two years ago this month for the same holiday you wrote this… you were in first grade. When I read it, I was amazed you already had this kind of insight & compassion… I was so proud of you… still am… always will be
chest bumps & hockey beatings
We played another sweat-filled Sunday night Hockey Battle Extravaganza tonight – it was you and Camden vs. me and Tim.
I got over-heated (literally) as I usually do, and took off my jersey, playing in my white t-shirt. You guys followed suit, but not having any t-shirts, you both went “skins.”
Tim and I were soundly defeated after a double overtime game… and the two of you bumped chests as you boasted, bragged and trash-talked.
Super Bowl Sunday
We went to your house for Super Bowl Sunday and had fun. There was all kinds of yummy food from cheeseburger dip to dijon chicken wings. You were really into the game... we hung out together on the sofa and you asked a lot of questions. It was so much fun having a conversation with you about sports.. you're growing up so fast but it's cool... The stinkin' Giants beat us again!
don’t embarass me
BLOG BLOG BLOG
The other day I discussed the various blogs I’m writing. I explained what they are, what I’m doing and showed you a few posts.
You checked it out, then looked at me and said:
“Don’t put anything on there that will embarass me.”
Ben that is so hurtful… I would never, ever do that! I’m sitting here crying alligator tears as I write this. Sometimes you can be so cruel.
Just to prove I am a good listener and heard what you said loud and clear, I will share these photos:
100 pieces no match for the three musketeers
I bought a new 100 piece pirate puzzle, but you, Emma and Camden mastered it in no time!
Soccer monster boo symmetry
I love this new picture you created with watercolors at school - you called it "Symmetry"
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!
This afternoon your played your first Winter soccer game, on a team with other Dover kids, playing in an indoor stadium in Hampton.
Last Fall you played soccer (as you have for many years), but your coach used you as a defenseman in every single game. You did a great job, but she never gave you a chance to try offense, despite the fact that you’re one of the quickest and strongest kids on the team. You love soccer – it’s your favorite sport – and I love to watch you do your thing no matter what position you play. But I have trouble understanding why an eight year old would be restricted to one position.
Play the field! Try every position! See what you can do!
So anyway, tonight – on your new team – your new coach put you on offense after playing you the first half on defense. He’s a new coach, and he doesn’t know you yet, and he’s more open minded.
The other team was tough – you played them in Fall soccer. They are relentless and ran the score up. Finally Dover got off a solid kick, the shot hitting the right upper side of the goal and then taking a left turn inward. You assisted on the shot. Score!
Late in the game, down by five goals at least, you put your foot into the ball with assertiveness and it soared in a floating arc over the goalie’s head. You had scored your first goal!
playing your first indoor soccer game the day you scored your first goal you lined up with the goal straight on and let your leg fly into the ball. It lifted up high - like a field goal kicker's kick - and sailed well above their relentless goalie's head and arced in seeming slow motion into the goal.
Everyone congratulated you at the end of the game; we were so happy for you. You were a little surprised, and very low key, I could tell, but you were glowing from the moment. It was like you couldn’t believe it had happened.
Way to go Ben, way to go. I’m proud of you!
christmas craziness and the big surprise
Christmas Day was lots of fun. You came to our house late morning and stayed the day. After opening lots of presents and stockings, I announced we would be having a surprise scavenger hunt…. I gave you the instructions and you read them aloud.
The object of the game was to go into eight different rooms and find one white envelope in each. Inside each envelope were letters… each one spelling a word. Put the words together in the proper sequence…. and an exciting message would emerge.
You were a critical player in the whole grand expedition… you were the only one who could read and spell! Emma and Camden – in particular – joined the grand expedition. in earnest, with Ainsley and Molly doing their thing along the way.
After lots of running around and craziness, you all returned to the Great Room and figured out the puzzle. Here’s what it spelled:
Although we’ve taken you to Disney World twice before, we haven’t been since 2007. We’ll all be together – all 13 of us – staying at the Wilderness Lodge within the Magic Kindgdom. We are going to have a blast – let the countdown begin!
Christmas presents 2011
