The faces of 9

The kids started basketball for the first time this winter (indoor sports for the win). I misread the league information – or maybe it changed after we signed up?) but instead of being the older kids in their group, they are both the youngest.

Linc is in a 6-7 year old group and Emerson is in a 8-10. They are both such good teammates and such good champs for trying new stuff. I am coaching Emerson’s team out of necessity so I’m not sure who was nervous the first meeting – the players or me. It was a new site, new people, new sport.

Linc is playing on a team with his BFF, one of our family friends and a soccer teammate so his level of familiarity is strong. He works so hard at it and I’m so so so proud of his progress. He’s still a tad small for his size but he has found a way to get that ball into the basket. He’s made both a free throw and a basket so far – halftime is what’s called a free throw frenzy where the players shoot to add points to their total. PS. What a great idea. Some players may be afraid to shoot when getting guarded or just anxious in a game but just about anyone can shoot a free throw.

I think I reached a Dad rite of passage today. Running to the pet store while the kids were in school to replace a fish. We had an incident with Walker 1 while cleaning his tank where he got injured (probably – fish can’t talk but his attitude changed greatly). So introducing Walker 2. Kids haven’t noticed yet -and hopefully they won’t.

PS. You’ve gotta love the name, right?

What a fantastic trip. The kids all found something they loved and we got to spend quality time together. Win, win, win, win, WIN!

Cheesesteaks – check

Hershey Park fun with friends – check

Downtown Philadelphia exploring – check

Happy and tired family every day – check

Rocky Steps – check

A few things about my little guy at this magical age

• Kindergarten ready!
• Soccer goal scorer
• Loves the song ‘Waymaker’
• Loves the Lego Avengers
• Loves playing Xbox with daddy
• Loves carbs and chicken nuggets
• When in the bathroom, he always gets an extra paper towel and says ‘for someone else’
• Always wants to go to other peoples houses for events, even if he just met them
• Has such natural comedic timing – “this guy”

No one would ever have called me “handy”. I could do all the stuff that requires a screwdriver and a hammer (mainly) and change light bulbs but build something from my spare hands? Nope.

I still remember trying to build a dog house when I was in either middle school or high school. I got the sides together but the top for the roof…I think I just left it because I couldn’t figure out how to connect the two.

With the help of a good friend (and the design help of a best friend), I was able to complete a swing set for my kids a few weekends ago. They love it and I love that I was able to make it for them. It’s not the most complicated thing in the world and one of the things I’m most impressed with is how good it looks stained but it’s OURS! I’ve already gotten some side attachments to increase the fun in years to come…and have looked at ways to make it bigger in the future (my wife may not like this idea).

I only write this to say…I could have never seen myself doing this before I became a dad or even as an adult. But never just sets limitations.

I’m already at work on a platform stand and am so happy with how it’s going so far (fingers crossed). I just won’t try to attach anything for the roof 🙂

Wow…Really?!? 42! Geez….

Halfway to 84 I suppose?

We had an awesome day. Brunch at Liberty Common, Our Soup event at Nissan Stadium, some park play time, a Tiff Treats ice cream sandwich and a visit with my “niece” and her husband.

Full day. Full heart.

There is a battle of the sexes in our house.

The boys do not like pickles.

The girls do.

You have been informed 🙂