Stick Figure

Reed is a man about mound(s), if you will. He discovered these dirt piles behind the soccer field where his sister was playing today. He’s always begging us to let him bring home the various sticks he finds.

How about this one?

A Flutter of Anticipation

Reed and his classmates took to the butterfly garden during art class for inspiration.

(Photo courtesy of Reed's kindergarten teacher) 

Weapons of Mass Imagination

The mind of a five-year-old is a curious thing. Reed, as he’s falling asleep tonight, blurted out:

“Mommy, I have a trick I want to show you but I need a dart.”

Liv a Little, Love a Lot

We had an afternoon of merriment and exploration with friends at the children’s museum.

Maddi (back) and Stella (left) joined Olivia

in the construction area

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.