Fireworks

We spent the night tonight out at Marshfield beach, watching the local fireworks display. This annual event was a tradition when I was growing up. It is amusing that the tradition is carrying on to this generation and my kids. It's very much Americana at it's finest. The Flag. Apple Pie. It's all good. The boys really enjoyed themselves this year. Caz was not digging the loud Booms last year, but all but dismissed them this year. It's really impressive, this amateur display. These folks must have spent a small fortune on fireworks. The crowd was well behaved this year. This probably was due to the extreme high tide, hitting at 9:35. Not much beach for the seedier element to wander around on. I told the boys that the celebration was in honor of their new cousin coming home today. I don't think they were buying it. But they got to stay up to 11:30 PM, so they were ready to humor the old man.

Coming Home

My brother and sister in-law bring my niece home today. It's always exciting, that first trip home with the new baby. I remember putting the car seat in the back of my old, been around the block (OK, quite a few blocks) silver Buick Century. I checked and re-checked the set up to make sure it was by the book. And then I checked it again. I drove like a first time driver right after getting that learner's permit. I checked my rearview and sideview mirrors before starting the car. I flashed my turn signal very early. I probably put it on when I was even thinking about turning. I drove exactly the speed limit. I remember pulling into the driveway. It was sort of like crossing the threshold, the first time as a married couple. Honestly, it was a bit better with the baby. That may have had a lot to do with not being 2 AM after a long night of celebrating and knowing I had to get up in a few hours to leave for the airport. I hope little brother finds it just as exciting.

Rain in the Summertime - Again

It is hard to believe it's summer. We just complete the month of June with 4 days, over the course of the month that didn't rain. 4! Can you believe that? And through it all, there was talk in the local paper that the town Selectmen were considering a voluntary water ban. I have set a sprinkler all of once. The day I put down fertilizer, I put out the sprinkler to wet down the lawn and soak it. To this point, I have still not put in the window AC units.

Reading Challenge - Update 2

Coco just finished the Prisoner of Azkaban. He has decided to start from the beginning, before moving on and read the Sorcerer's Stone. I am very proud of his reading and determination.

Uncle Chinny

I became an Uncle today. And more importantly, my little brother, Lex, became a Father. I am the proud Uncle of a beautiful baby girl. She was born at 12:39 PM, weighing in at 7 pounds and 14 ounces. Mom, Dad, and Baby are all doing well. It was a long, painful wait that ended in a C - section for Mom. But it was well worth the wait. She is definitely a Chin, with a good head of black hair already. Very exciting stuff. Perfect for an uncle. I can fawn all over her and not have to change any diapers or get up in the middle of the night......

Father's Day 2009

Happy Father's Day 2009!

One might think that spending Father's Day at a memorial service is a poor way to spend the day. But it really helps to put things in perspective ("Too much F-ing perspective!" - David St. Hubbins). This was the service for our friends/neighbors. The tragic loss of the son makes me appreciate the time I have with my sons and thankful for our special Father/Son bonds. I can't imagine life without them. May all you Dads have a great day!

Reading Challenge - Update

Coco finished the whole Harry Potter book (Chamber of Secrets) before school got out for the summer. He has started his second book.