We finally had an opportunity to celebrate Nicolai’s 28th birthday (July 8th actual) with the entire family. Even better, we were joined by my sister Mayela, her husband Stephen, and three members of Nicolai’s amputee soccer community. Jeanine prepared his favorite meal (Chinese chicken salad) and a chocolate cheesecake that he requested. Not surprisingly, it was unbelievably good.

A small bocce tournament and tours of Maya’s tiny house entertained our guests between rounds of food.

Earlier in the day, Mayela, Stephen, Jeanine and I visited the International Sand Sculpture competition on Revere beach. Between the heat, on-going Covid concerns, and being the last day of the event, we encountered an unusually small crowd which greatly facilitated parking and viewing of the sand sculptures. The event typically draws 1 million visitors over a three day period.