After the pool party we went to Henrietta’s Kitchen (Cambridge) for brunch. Each member of the family discovered a best they had ever had favorite dish. Maya and I found the Belgian waffles to be without equal. I was showered with Father’s Day gifts at the end of the meal and received several badly needed shirts, a compendium of soccer photographs from around the world, and tickets to attend a professional soccer match with the boys. After brunch we ventured out to explore Harvard square. The boys discovered the local chess masters and tested their rusty skills against them. Neither was victorious but both gave their opponents a run for the money.

Maya turned 6 years old today. The day has been chock full of activity. Carl’s soccer team finished second in their divsion and qualified for play-offs. This morning was the semi-finals where we faced Marblehead, the first place finisher in the Northern division. We played to a 0-0 tie and then a 0-0 overtime. We finally won the game in a penalty kick shootout. After the game we went to Rob’s house for an end of the season pool party. Maya is seen here taking a brief break from her aquatic activities.

The block party featured a first rate Steel Drum band and before the night was out all the kids and some parents were up and dancing.

After Maya’s party and Nicolai’s soccer game (his team won 2-0 and is headed to the Commissioner’s Cup tournament), we spent the evening at the Star Lane block party.

The birthday girls getting ready for cake.

Maya executes a front flip in pike position.

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.