Tempted as I was to intervene, I realized that there were some valuable lessons being learned, so I left the kids to their wanderings while I enjoyed the beauty of the park independently.

This shot sums up the situation nicely. Greg believes the group is heading the wrong way, Ty seems to have a headache from studying the map, while Zack is busy calling in an air strike or something.

Although it does appear that some planning took place, the results were not in evidence as the kids exceeded their two hour time limit and needed to be rescued from far corners of the park having been unable to navigate back to the agreed upon rendezvous point. Fortunately a substantial dent was made in their leaf collection assignment.

Against all odds, I was able to play soccer this morning. I would have never believed this possible given the pain I was in on Friday. The chiropractic adjustment, hourly ice treatments, and ibuprofen regimen did the trick. I played for 40 minutes straight before I pulled a calf muscle which ended the game for me. Fortunately, it is not too bad and I expect to be ready for the next game. This afternoon, I helped with the driving for Nico and 8 of his classmates to the Arnold Arboretum. They have a science assignment to identify and collect leaves from a list of 50 trees, many of which are found here. While the kids conducted their search, I found some interesting photographic subjects of my own. This bloom could look a lot like a stand-alone tree to me.

This evening Jeanine and I took Nala on a long walk. Although the kids love the dog it is Jeanine who treats her to these long excursions. The light was great as the sun was setting and I got a number of nice photographs. I never realized how similar the color of Jeanine’s hair is to Nala’s fur. No wonder these two are so close.

The Honda is having a bad week. Today Jeanine ran over a 12 inch towel bar which jumped up to puncture the gas tank leaving her stranded on Route 2. Police and firefighters were on the scene to control traffic and contain the gas spill.
Yesterday we learned that the ignition key mechanism needs to be replaced. Good thing we have the Smart Car as a back up.

When Maya steps up to clear a ball, girls seemingly twice her size brace for impact. Her team came from behind to tie with Acton Boxborough. Nico came to watch and support his little sister. Click on the photo for a larger view and check the expressions on the other girls.

I woke up this morning virtually unable to stand up. Yesterday I aggravated a lower back misalignment that I suffered earlier this week. I have a new level of empathy for those who suffer from back pain. Fortunately, Jeanine took good care of me and made arrangements to see a chiropractor. I am mending pretty quickly after the treatment but doubt I will good to play soccer on Sunday. Nala had a play date with another dog this evening and when she get’s excited this is all that you can see.

Several parents are now photographing Kyle’s team, and it is a very welcome change to be on the receiving end of a nice photo.

Tess treated us to delicious homemade pizza this evening. I was unable to wait for Jeanine to return from a meeting before devouring three pieces.

Maya had her first saxophone lesson this evening and I just missed meeting her new teacher. With her piano training she is proficient at reading music and was playing complete songs as I walked in the door. I have introduced her to the music of Mindi Abair in the hopes she will draw some inspiration from a highly successful female alto sax player.

From another section of the sky moments later. It would have been nice to have a wide angle lens, but I made the most of the telephoto I had in hand.

A very long day in the office precluded any photography today so I am posting a picture I took last night. Now and then, we get a sunset that is absolutely spectacular, and this was one of them.

As the center midfielder, Nico has both offensive and defensive responsibilities. Here, he clears a corner kick out of the goal area.