Frame of Mine

I can’t begin to put words to just how darn cute I find this picture from last week. If an ordinary picture is worth a thousand words, perhaps this one is worth a thousand puppies.

(Photo courtesy of Reed's kindergarten teacher) 

An Aye for an Eye

Our five-year-old: trivia enthusiast, giant-squid expert, cookie winner 

Beni: “Reed, do you like the giant squid hat that we brought you from Florida?”

Reed: “Yes, but it’s a colossal squid, not a giant squid.”

Beni (to me): “Schooled again by a 5-year-old.”

Obligatory First-Day-of-School Picture

Smile, brother! It's time for school!

Pre-School

The kids’ school offered families the opportunity to meet teachers! See classrooms! Bring in school supplies! Decorate lockers! Connect with PTO! Enjoy treats! Relax on the playground! Turn in forms! Pick up parking tags! And purchase locks as well as spirit wear!

The move-in enthusiasm was shared by the Mohawked-and-necktied one and his chevron-styling sister.

For Shore

The kids surfed in G’s home turf of the Ocean State. We were joined in Rhode Island by the newly engaged Aunt Liz and her fiancé, Don, who considered the lobster with our pescatarian son.

Poetry in Commotion

Our kids have this sing-song phrase they drill into our earballs from time to time:

“Me farty, me poopy, me William Shakespeare.”

Brilliant as the bard himself, I know. To counteract such crassness, we have to infuse culture into their lives every once in a while. This was such an attempt, as we made our way over to a local manor—where, by the way, Beni and I had our wedding reception—for a free children’s Shakespeare show on the front lawn.

You'll Never Walk Alone

Fanaticism starts early: Here's Reed sporting his brand-new Liverpool Football Club kit. (Olivia got hers last fall.)

Last Game

Today marked my last day as Olivia's soccer coach. (I announced my "retirement" to the team in early spring.) After the game, our emotions churned like her legs do during one of her spirited midfield runs.

We've had ten seasons together in all—two seasons per year starting in 2009. She is the consummate coach's kid—she works hard at her game, leads by example, and keeps me in the loop.

In a game played by millions around the world, Olivia remains my favorite player to watch. She will continue to be so as I transition from the teams' sideline to the one for supporters. At least now I'll be able to cheer her on unreservedly.

Take Wing(s)

Reed flying from chris k on Vimeo.

Reed told his teacher later that he also hoped for duck feet.

Piece(s) of work

This was a two-day, two-babysitter affair, but Reed managed to complete—with help—the his-life-size puzzle of his underwater friends.

Make the Ice

Reed and his buddies put Kool-Aid and sugar into a pitcher not to make the break-time beverage, but to observe what happens when water is added to the mix. The preschoolers poured their sugary solution into ice trays, which they placed in the freezer. So, basically they were being Sid the Science Kid, only way cuter and far less annoying.

(Photos courtesy of Reed's pre-K teacher)

Fleece Officers

No, Reed and his buddy Bella weren't running late for school this morning. They were participants in their class's Pajamas Day. Here they are modeling their nightwear in the shadowy daylight at pickup time: