Maya and Olivia shared a birthday party at the gymnastics academy this afternoon. Maya turns 6 tomorrow.

Nicolai has prepared a restaurant-style menu, which he is reading to Maya. Nicolai has given Maya and I (for her birthday and my father’s day) a present of breakfast in bed.

Nico really enjoyed his dinner.

Nico and I had a boy’s night out this evening. We went to Michael’s for a nice Italian dinner. It is so much fun spending time with one child at a time. We talked about school, soccer, the value of sleep, AIDS, Star Wars, his project on Egypt, his favorite subject at school (science), his friends, and the quality of the marinara sauce (excellent). Kyle had an away soccer match and was taken by Jeanine and Maya.

Maya had her last soccer game of the season today and finished the game with a nice breakaway goal. The Panthers went undefeated and the kids made real improvements throughout the season. I enjoyed coaching immensely, but having now coached my wife and all three kids, I am prepared to hang up my whistle.

Good old bus 24 stops in front of the house to pick up precious cargo….. later in the day Kyle’s soccer team lost it’s first match in 18 games. Kyle had one goal but the team lost 3-2. The temperature dropped dramatically throughout the day and by kick-off it was positively cold (I had to leave the game to go purchase warm clothing – and mosquito repellent). Kyle played with full intensity for 90 minutes and he looked like he could have played another full game. It was a tough loss, but I was very proud of Kyle’s determination and leadership on the field.

Maya summed it all up with a single photograph. Pink-painted toenails offset by a generous coat of dirt and accented by a single white flower. Note to Mother (who is in Albany this evening): Yes, these feet were washed before insertion of child in bed.

And here is the dismount. This child has no fear.

Both boys had soccer practice this evening despite the oppressive heat and humidity. While waiting for them to finish, Maya took to the fence to work on her balance-beam skills.

Kyle needed a head shot for his soccer tryout today. They use this for their player passes. Please note the haircut. Yesterday Kyle went to the local barbershop where he received a terrible haircut (I think the worst I have ever seen). At his request the father was called upon to salvage the job. Half an hour later, Kyle emerged with a much improved version which he even thanked me for (although he did not leave a tip).

Maya secured the birthday balloons. Although she was not permitted to play dodge ball with the big dogs, she did demonstrate a much improved crawl stroke in the pool.

Nicolai executing a “rip” entry as his birthday party guests look on. Even though his birthday is not until July, we celebrated early so that all his friends could attend before leaving on their respective summer vacations. Also featured at the party was a game of dodge ball and a wood block tower building competition.

Today, Maya graduated from Daisy Scout to a Brownie. Here, she wears her Daisy smock for the last time. Jeanine cried tears of joy and sorrow throughout the bridging ceremony as she remembered her mother and the time they spent together in the Girl Scouts program.

We dined al fresco overlooking a sea cove at this wonderful little place (The Landing) which definitely warrants a return visit. A fine meal with a nice sea breeze capped an otherwise hectic day. Maya scored two goals as her team remained undefeated and Nico and Kyle both emerged victorious from their matches. I finished painting the basement and completed the remaining wiring. Jeanine and Maya spent the afternoon at White pond. Maya was so tired that she put herself to bed this evening.

Found this little fellow in a tide pool. I was amazed at the abundance of life to be found in these transient aquatic neighborhoods. Ironic that Jeanine pulled me away so we could find a seafood restaurant. I could have had appetizers ready in five minutes.

I really liked the textures and colors in this abandoned peer.

Jeanine and I had a date this evening. We left the kids with Amanda and headed for the ocean. Here we are strolling down the beach at Manchester by the Sea.

Pancakes this morning are courtesy of Maya. Here she slices butter before adding to the batter mix.

Maya providing half-time entertainment. Please note the straight legs and powerful arms. I have no doubt that she will become a fantastic gymnast one day.

Maya borrowed my camera during the soccer game and took several nice photos including this one.

Maya showing off a cocoon she discovered while at Kyle’s soccer game this evening. Kyle scored a goal helping his team to a hard fought 2-1 victory.

Kyle works on a reading assigment this morning before either of his siblings have rolled out of bed. He goes to bed later, wakes up earlier, and burns more calories playing sports than Maya or Nico. I guess teenagers (he will be one in August) develop more stamina which they fuel with large quantities of food. Kyle is quite the gourmand, however, and has a very sophisticated palate. Not only do we need to constantly feed him, it has to be very fine food served at the correct temperature.

Nico is busy preparing party favors for his upcoming birthday celebration. It is hard to believe he is turning 11. What happened to all of my babies? Looking forward to Mark & Marie’s new arrival and a visit with Bradley to get a fix.

Maya with her fellow kindergarteners preparing to give their end of the school year concert. The children sang 10 different songs and then invited the parents to learn the Zoodio dance with them. Maya was featured in several numbers and did a wonderful job. Dad it turns out is not a bad Zoodio dancer either.

Maya retaliates against her brother after capturing the hose from him. It must be 85 degrees outside and both children have come inside requesting hot chocolate (apparently the water was very cold). Today it feels like summer has really arrived.

A family of geese from the lake at work. We have three different families and it is fun to watch the youngsters growing each day.

Jeanine’s purple flowers are in full bloom. Click on the image for a more detailed view.

After my game, Nico, Maya and I went to the Willard Fun Festival. Maya fearlessly volunteered for dunk tank duty and was rewarded with a cool plunge. She also worked relentlessly at the bean bag toss, retrieving the bean bags while I collected tickets and supervised the kids as they sought to win fame and glory.

I measured up to my sons’ accomplishments this weekend, scoring a goal in my team’s win over Shrewsbury. Nicolai is becoming a very proficient sports photographer, timing this header perfectly. Didn’t realize I could still jump that high.

After the game, the team posed for a photo. I only had my telephoto lenses with me so I took this from about midfield. I am amazed they held their composure while I ran half way across the field to take the shot.

Nicolai executes a text book trap during today’s match against Hanscom. Concord won 4-1 and Nico scored one goal from about the 18. Jeanine reported that Kyle scored a goal in the first game of his tournament and his team achieved a 1-1 tie. Kyle also scored in the second game which resulted in a 1-0 victory. Maya’s team also won her game. Now it is up to dad to follow suit in a tough match tomorrow.