Boy and his dog. 

This has not been a great week for photography. On Tuesday, I had to layoff about 70 people from my organization of nearly 500. These events are never easy but in this case it was the right thing for the company. On Wednesday, I sustained a rather serious knee injury while playing soccer. I am seeing a specialist tomorrow. Today while convalesing, I finally had a chance to grab my camera and favorite subject. 

Here is another photo by Maya of her mother lest you think the one of me was a fluke. 

I am not often featured on this blog because I am usually behind the camera. Today I was treated to this photo taken by Maya. I can not begin to express my pleasure in her budding talent. 

Mike treated us to Gelato after we enjoyed a nice dinner at Mama Maria’s providing a sweet end for a perfect day. 

The day started by bidding Nicolai farewell as he left for three weeks at music camp. After that Jeanine, Mike, Kyle, Tucker, Maya and her friend Allison went bowling (not duck pin) at Tucker’s request. I slipped away for a little camera shopping. We then proceeded to the North End where we went to our favorite bocce park and took in the sights, sounds and smells. Italians really know how to live. Mike and I lost a close match to Kyle and Tucker who came from behind to win. I am sorry to say that I will likely be reminded of this loss for some time to come. 

This is the first time Kyle has joined us on a hike and I think he had a really good time. we brought along the spotting scope and enjoyed some great views from the top. In total, we did about a thousand feet up and a thousand feet down.  

Mike checks in with wife Rene after dispelling all notions of an aversion to hiking. 

Nico and Greg pausing at the top. They climbed together all day and made quick work of the relatively short hike from the parking area. 

Jeanine shows off her guns at the summit. 

Today the family, minus Maya, and guests Mike and Tucker Snively plus Gregoire, Nico’s friend, climbed Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire. 

Tucker, Ben, Kyle, Nico and Greg play a little cards before the older kids head down to Cambridge Square to see all the antics surrounding the release of the latest Harry Potter book at midnight. 

Also visiting us this evening are Chloe and her mother. It is not apparent to me what the girls are up to but they seem to be having fun. 

A photo of Kyle and Tucker just before we moved from Indianapolis to Boston.