The peonias are in full bloom right now, adding luscious color to our garden.

Nicolai supervising his mother as the planting continues. This is the first day of summer vacation for the kids and I am sure they will have worn Jeanine ragged by the time I return from work.

Maya was up early this morning watering the garden.

Here, Kyle flies by a defender looking for an opportunity to put the ball on net.

After his party, Kyle has a soccer match. Kyle dominated the midfield and had several nice headers, including this one. The 0-0 tie was good enough to qualify his team for Division 1 play next season.

Kyle and his friend Nick celebrated their birthdays jointly. Klye does not turn thirteen (a bonafide teenager) until August but wanted to have his party before all his friends went off on their summer vacations.

Yesterday, we celebrated Kyle’s birthday at the Heritage pool. Despite several valiant attempts, this was the closest the boys came to building a pyramid.

Maya already looking like a pro with her new tennis racket, a birthday gift from aunt Susan & Rose. Maya insists that the “W” (Wilson) on her racket is actually an “M” for Maya. Who can argue with that logic?

Maya thinks about her wish before blowing out the candles on her cake.

All in all it has been a fantastic Father’s Day and I think Maya will dream of chasing pigeons into swimming pools while nibbling on waffles as she enters her sixth year.

Later, we found a very talented street musician who mesmerized the kids and left the parents singing to the oldies.

I have no comment about this photograph other than to say it scares me.

Maya kept the entire square clear of all pigeons for the duration of our stay. Seriously, not a single pigeon dared enter her territory.

Kyle took a shot at the big cheese for a two dollar fee. Five minutes into the game he had this guy looking very worried. By the twenty minute mark Kyle was the one squirming. After his match Kyle started juggling a soccer ball in the square and within ten minutes had a couple of adult men juggling with him. Only in Boston.