Adventure Land

Today, the family spent some quality time together.  We only have a limited amount of time before Caz goes off to Auburn.  Demi and I want to make sure we do a lot of family activities before that time comes.
     For this Griswald family activity we chose the zip line/rope course at Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich, MA.  Demi had come across it online.  After checking it out, it seemed like a good idea.  It is not that far away.  This is one of those times where the event exceeded expectations.  That place is amazing.
     There are all levels of trails/courses.  It is set up like a ski mountain, green trails, blue trails & black diamonds.  The safety features are ingenious.  A climber is locked into some safety rigging at all times.  That doesn't mean you can't fall and hurt yourself.  But you are not going to plunge to the ground.
     The first obstacle seemed ridiculous.  Especially, for a green (beginner) level trail.  The rules state a climber has to attempt the trails in a progression, from easy to hard.  This felt like we started on a much harder trail.  Caz was already having a hard time, just getting up to the platform.  He has a tremendous fear of heights.  Caz was a trooper though.  He powered through all of it.
     I thought he might bail on the blue trail.  He thought about it.  He almost declined.  But then two girls around his age got in line behind him.  His pride would not allow for him to back at that point.
     The ropes were a great workout.  We were very tired at the end.  It was a good idea that the management put a rule in place to have water in between trails.  The family then headed north to Plymouth for a reward.  We got seafood from Woods Seafood.  I crossed an item off my summer bucket list by having fried flames.  The boys got their lobster rolls.  Then we got cupcakes to go for later, from Cape Code Charlie's.  What a perfect day.

Levitate 2017

Today didn't turn out quite as planned.  But that is just fine.  It turned out better than expected.
     We lucked into some passes for Day Two of the local Levitate Music Festival.  I only really wanted to see the closing act, Ziggy Marley.  I did want to spend time with the boys, so is would go for as long as they wanted.  Early in the day, Coco said he didn't want to go.  That is fine.  I am not going to force him to go.  Caz wanted to go.  Caz then asked our friend, T-Beau, who was on his annual trip from TX, to go.  When that happened, Coco wanted in.  Both boys realized  there were only three passes.  Before they could think, I told them to take all three passes and have fun.  I would rather see the three of them running around together, than go myself.  They had a great time.  Coco had been having a hard day to that point.  It was the lift we all needed.  The healing power of music.
     Of course Coco couldn't wait to tell me how much glaucoma medicine was wafting around... he just thinks it's funny.  Better to talk about these things, than avoid an uncomfortable topic.  Make it comfortable.  You want your kids to talk to you.

Summer Break 2017

Summer break starts now.  It is an odd start to vacation this year.  Caz has already been done with school for a month.  Coco had his last exam today.  I made a game time decision to drive up to Sebec Lake to join this years Maine Vacation crew.  Demi is packing to go to The Island for a family party.  Caz has to work, so he is staying home.  Coco has training and working on landing a new job.  The boys will be home for a night alone.  Together.  What could possibly go wrong?

Father's Day 2017

Happy Father's Day Gentlemen!
     This was a great Father's Day.  I got Demi and Caz back, late last night.  It looked dicey with the flights being delayed.  The boys put on a good face and accompanied us to the beach early.  They played catch with me.  We played bocce.  The departed early, which was fine.  Demi and I got some time alone at the beach.  Caz parked the CRV on the other side of the bridge.  The boys walked the beach and to the car without complaint.  Then we had a nice cookout over at my parents house.  There was no family drama.  A nice way to spend the day.

Camp War Eagle

Demi and Caz left for Camp War Eagle.  It's Auburn's orientation for new students and parents.  I M very excited for Demi to see the university finally.  I think it will make her feel better about sending her child off to college.  Sure, it's the heat of summery, but we will be moving him in during the dog days of August.  They have a few days to really explore.  I envy them a bit.

Pig Roast

What does one choose as a theme for a high school graduation and the student is going to college in Alabama?  You throw a pig roast, of course! Genius!

     We hired Shakey Pete to throw a pig roast for 100 people.  Shakey Pete's wife made the world's best cornbread, beans and slaw.  My brother smoked chicken thighs and made pesto chicken pasta, all while hung over.  The Long Island family came in.  The cousins and friends came.  The high school boys decided to play shirts and skins when the high school girls showed up.  Go figure, right?

    The weather was perfect.  The guests were well fed.  Most importantly, Caz had a huge grin on his face the whole time.  He thanked Demi multiple times for a great party.  Made it all worth it.

Road Trip 2017

Caz's first road trip.  He's 18 now. He needs to make his own choices and understand the consequences that come with each choice.  His buddies planned a trip to Twin Rivers Casino.  I knew it wasn't a full blown casino like Foxwoods or Mohegan but I still didn't think one could get in if under 21 years of age. Who knew?  I thought it might be a really short trip.
     He egged his mother on in the days leading up to his departure.  He asked for funds to go clothes shopping, so he could get some "good" clothes for the casino.  Then he expected Demi to iron them.  I thought he might not make the trip after all.....But then he mentioned there was a gentlemens club there too.  It was probably just to see her reaction.  The little punk....
     While down there we left him alone.  We didn't call to check up on him.  He actually called us.  The car didn't seem right, then it really had some trouble.  He pulled it into a safe parking lot.  He and his buddies called Demi, then our mechanic.  His buddy had AAA+, so they arranged to have the car towed to our mechanic.  They arranged a ride home from the train the next day.  Ca really handled himself well.  We are very proud of him.