NYE 2017

The most harrowing part of New Years and having teenagers, is worrying about them.  What are their plans?  Will they be driving?  If so, will they be driving late?  Who will they be with?  Fortunately, this year, Coco worked a double shift, so he stayed in.  Caz went out.  He didn’t drive but his buddy did.  A bunch of them played Risk until midnight.  Very low key.  The danger is who else might be on the road and in what condition,when Caz makes the jaunt home.

Boys Day Dec 2017

The boys & I had a great afternoon.  I wanted to spend some dedicated time with them.  Mission accomplished.  We started with luncheon specials at Tsangs Cafe.  We had some great conversation about brothers, college and life.  We browsed video games at Game Stop.  We went shopping for shoes for them both.  The banter was the best part.  We got quality time together.  What more could a dad want?

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

A post on Instagram by Caz popped up on my feed this morning.  He posted a nice photo of his girlfriend and himself.  His caption was very honest and straightforward.  What struck me is that he knows who follows him on this social media platform.  And he didn't hesitate to put himself out there.  He put his feelings out there.  That is a great trait.  He wants people to know how his is feeling.  Good for you son!

Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas Everyone!  To Fathers everywhere, the warmest wishes of the season.

The four Chins were all together for the major holiday.  It was all I wanted for Christmas.  Sure we hosted my folks and my brother's family.  And it was amazing for all of us to be together.  But the core family unit being together?  That was the best present.  Who knows how many more we may have.  The boys may have families of their own soon.  It's probably years away.  But that time will pass quickly.  I love the four of us together.  That is the special part of the holiday for me.

Winter Homecoming 2017

Caz came home from Auburn today.  It was great seeing him walking out of the airport with his stuff, being led by Gizmo and beside his mother, brother and girlfriend.   Yep.  He brought his new college girlfriend, who lives in Alabama.  She is really nice.  And he seems really happy.

     We are really happy to have him home.  Even Coco was very chatty and nice, while riding in the back with Caz.  

     It was interesting that Caz requested that we bring Gizmo.  Then he checked to make sure she had been walked, so she wouldn’t get over excited and have an accident in the airport.  He texted to let us know they were landing early.  As if I hadn’t been tracking his flight.  He texted a few times with updates.  All in all, the first return went without a hitch.

     Welcome home and War Eagle!

Christmas Shopping

Packages have been arriving for Caz for days.  He is not even home yet.  We know he was Christmas shopping.  He called to ask questions about his cousins, his aunt, his uncle and even their dog.  It is a pleasant surprise.  He is doing this all on his own.  And on a limited college student budget.  The boy is growing up.

Coco is doing all of his shopping on his own, too.  He can drive now, so he can go on his own.  He is also thinking of the family.  He we out with his own funds.  He came home and wrapped them all.  It was really nice to see.  Coco was definitely in the holiday spirit.

Birthday Weekend

This will be a Birthday first.  My oldest won’t be here to celebrate.  Sure he is coming home in a week.  And sure I postponed a family celebration until we could all be together.  But the actual day?  Today?  It won’t be the same.
     Coco’s enthusiasm helped.  He came home from work and rushed to wrap his present.  I could here paper crinkle behind his bedroom door.  He had made Demi take him out last night to go shopping for it.  It means a lot that he picked it out.  And he was so proud to hand it to me.  We both had big smiles.
     Demi went out of her way to make it special.  She was really great.  I was extremely happy to have alone time with her.  We went to a few establishments to eat and drink.  No rush.  No timetable. We took a nice stroll through the Plymouth waterfront.  We drove around Duxbury to see Christmas decorations.  It was a very nice evening.
     Then Caz called.  I had my doubts.  I wasn’t sure if I would hear from him.  We had a nice talk.  I let the struggles with Calculus go.  Tonight was not the night for it.  I wanted a nice evening and I got it.

‘Tis the Season 2017

Even though there was a lot of Christmas creep, I was able to avoid it until now. Today though, I need to kill some time, so Christmas shopping it is.  I am getting my birthday present car radio installed.  While I wait, I am going shopping for the family.  I have already started and am well into it, but I need a few more items.
     I like finding that perfect gift.  I like to see the look of recognition turn to a smile, when that person opens it.  I have a few things in mind.  But there are some good stores in walking distance where I am getting the radio installed, that should provide some ideas and inspiration.