The Concord fifth graders performed in concert this evening. Nicolai sang in the chorus and played snare drum and flute (not at the same time) in the band.

My beautiful niece Sophia as photographed by my brother. I can’t wait to meet this little cutie. 

After church today, Nicolai and I went down to the Concord River by the Old North Bridge. Jeanine and Maya went off furniture shopping while Kyle was volunteering at a soup kitchen on the Boston Common. Nicolai spent at least 20 minutes trying to figure out how to get himself out to the rock in front of him. What is not apparent from the photo is that the water in between is shoulder deep and extremely cold. I am pleased to report that after contemplating several strategies, Nicolai determined that submersion was a likely outcome of this endeavor and opted to abandon the effort and enjoy the wildlife instead.

Today was the last game of the basketball season for the Concord Patriot’s and what an ending it was. After a shaky start to the season (4-4), the team went on to win the last 13 games and qualified for the final four tournament of the North Shore Youth Basketball League. Last night, they defeated Lynn with an 18-2 record and this evening won the tournament defeating a team with a perfect 20-0 record, both division 1 teams. The finals were very close and Kyle saw a lot of playing time. In the final stretch, Kyle had two steals which he drove coast-to-coast for left-handed layups under extreme pressure. Later in the evening we attended a team celebration at which the coach spoke about his players. He described Kyle as a “wild man” who played intimidating defense and who worked extremely hard through out the season. Kyle’s coach is perhaps the best role model, leader, and mentor I have ever known in youth athletics. I predict that Kyle will remember him for his entire life.

Maya and her friend playing with the pigs.

Maya was in charge of Family Night and selected Play Dough and Pizza. The former was used to make a sculpture inspired by a movie and the remaing family members had to guess the movie. Next, we each made our own mini pizzas. Here the boys demonstrate their pizza dough whirling techniques. Nico opted to make a stromboli, Kyle and Maya made nice looking, good tasting pies, my pizza was a lasagna inspired two layered triangular affair, and Jeanine was dissapointed that her healthy whole wheat and mushroom spinach pizza wasn’t very tasty.

We ended our excursion with a visit to a Shaker cemetary. Men and women here, are buried in separate rows to prevent any monkey business.

Jeanine had been to the top of Holy Hill before and told me the hike was worth it because of the information posted at the top, explaining the history of the Shakers in this area. I found the “posted” information somewhat underwhelming and insisted upon a photo to memorialize the journey. Earlier in the day, I was back in action on the soccer field (4-3 win) and the hike helped me stretch out my sore muscles.

Jeanine and I had a date today, seizing a rare opportunity when all three kids were otherwise occupied. We drove out to the Holy Hill area in Harvard. This ruin is of a former 3-story stone barn constructed by the Shakers who settled this area.

Maya seems much bigger to me since my return from Belize. I can’t quite put my finger on it but she definitely seems more grown up. Also worth noting; during the pursuit drills none of the boys could catch her. I take some comfort in this.

Maya attended the Mini-Micro soccer clinic this afternoon. This drill required pausing on command. Notice how the girls all include thier arms and the boys do not.

Kyle scored 7 points this morning, helping his team to another victory.

Maya and Clare both solved problems at four stations during Math night.

Math night at Willard school. Nicolai with his friends checking the answer to am estimation problem.