Our schedule and the elements have been conspiring to put our annual pilgrimage to Lynd's fruit farm in jeopardy, but when the sun broke through early Halloween afternoon I said, "I'm not ready to give up on their childhood yet." We packed up, and headed east on a trek we had executed many times before. The ground was still soggy, and we didn't hunt pumpkins, but the continuity of the experience persisted.
Recently, Alex was sick with his annual bout of croup and spent many lazy days on the daybed. With his voice hobbled, alternative forms of communication were used while he was ill, in particular he leveraged one of Michael's birthday gifts. Not his cell phone as might guess, but instead, his spy car. Instead of getting up and asking for food, he gathered Michael's new spy car, post it notes and a pen composed a note that proclaimed "Feed Me." Then he skillfully drove it from the great room to the master bedroom. It was more work and more fun, but more importantly it is affirmation that the continuity of the Alex experience isn't in any jeopardy.
RAP (11.5.2009)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ready For Camp
Michael went away to camp Wednesday with the rest of the kids on his 6-2 team. He has always wanted to go away to a camp, so this was a thrill, and he was up at 5 AM packed and ready to go, even though he didn't need to be to school until 8 AM. This trip is a long standing tradition in our school district, and I went as a counselor while I was in high school, so I know just what to expect for him. The night walk, the bonfire, the hiking through the hills of southern Ohio and the cabin exposed to the elements without heat. I think he will have a very good time as he embraces his increased freedom as he goes from a boy to man.
The day before he left, I won a contest to fly out to see the Foo Fighters tape a show. The Foo Fighter's are one of the bands that Michael really likes, and I pursued it with the idea of taking him. When I told him the news he was excited, but I had to disclose that there was a catch: the trip would have me away for Beggars Night (The City holds it on a different night than Halloween when it is on a Friday or Saturday night). Upon hearing the news he said he could go, because he, "wouldn't miss trick or treat for anything in the whole world." It seems even with his new independence, he hasn't discarded his childhood and the wonders it holds yet.
RAP(10.23.2009)
The day before he left, I won a contest to fly out to see the Foo Fighters tape a show. The Foo Fighter's are one of the bands that Michael really likes, and I pursued it with the idea of taking him. When I told him the news he was excited, but I had to disclose that there was a catch: the trip would have me away for Beggars Night (The City holds it on a different night than Halloween when it is on a Friday or Saturday night). Upon hearing the news he said he could go, because he, "wouldn't miss trick or treat for anything in the whole world." It seems even with his new independence, he hasn't discarded his childhood and the wonders it holds yet.
RAP(10.23.2009)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Like you, but better
I've enjoyed the boys' birthday celebrations over the years; Alex's beat Michigan birthday bash has been great, and Michael's costumed Halloween mini-raves are fantastic fun. Apparently, last year's party was particularly epic, because I keep hearing about it months later; I guess that is what happens when you have 22 boys spend the night, more LED and Glow toys than one can imagine, and an inflatable obstacle course. Although the one thing I keep hearing about is how the kids loved the human piñata; that is when yours truly sprints around holding a bucket of candy on my head as they try to keep up and shake it out of me. I did that 3 or 4 times to squeals of delight.
For this year's celebration, Michael chose to have his party at Movie Tavern, a bistro that combines stadium seating with waiter service; what more can a 12 year old ask for? They find the concept amazing. We invited 11 of his friends and took in Where the Wild Things are. It was a bit chaotic, and our first waiter was fired after the first half hour (not by us, but by them), but he, and they, had fun. It is a bit more reserved than he has had in the past, but still light years ahead in sociability than what I used to do although mine was in the same vein; For my 12th I took one friend to see Mel Brook's To Be on Not to Be. But isn't that what you want for your sons, to be like you somewhat, but better?
RAP (10.19.2009)
For this year's celebration, Michael chose to have his party at Movie Tavern, a bistro that combines stadium seating with waiter service; what more can a 12 year old ask for? They find the concept amazing. We invited 11 of his friends and took in Where the Wild Things are. It was a bit chaotic, and our first waiter was fired after the first half hour (not by us, but by them), but he, and they, had fun. It is a bit more reserved than he has had in the past, but still light years ahead in sociability than what I used to do although mine was in the same vein; For my 12th I took one friend to see Mel Brook's To Be on Not to Be. But isn't that what you want for your sons, to be like you somewhat, but better?
RAP (10.19.2009)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We're on a Mission From God
As their father, it is my responsibility to ensure that the boys are culturally educated. This effort has included trips to museums far and wide, concerts and screenings of films that have cultural importance. One such film that captured their imagination, and tickled their funny bones, was "The Blues Brothers." Recognizing how it resonated with my set of brothers, I suggested that this Halloween they should go as Jake and Elwood. On October 31st, out amongst the sea of princess, zombies and Pokemons an iconic pair might knock on your doors and utter "we're on mission from God" instead of "trick or treat." Don't worry about them lingering though, because you never know who might be chasing after them.
In addition to applauding their choice as one of excellent taste, I am also proud of myself in that I was able engineer them to select these costumes. After all, how often do you get your kids to beg to buy them a suit? Perhaps, I should start talking about how great James Bond is, because I'd bet they look great in a tuxedos holding chocolate milks that were shaken, not stirred.
RAP (9.29.2009)
In addition to applauding their choice as one of excellent taste, I am also proud of myself in that I was able engineer them to select these costumes. After all, how often do you get your kids to beg to buy them a suit? Perhaps, I should start talking about how great James Bond is, because I'd bet they look great in a tuxedos holding chocolate milks that were shaken, not stirred.
RAP (9.29.2009)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Run After Each Other
Michael had his first middle school dance last Friday night, although it is more like a giant party than a traditional dance. In addition to pseudo-dancing to the music played by the DJ in the school's gym, there was foosball, ping pong, guitar hero and other games along with a massive amount of junk food. I know this, because Alex and I snuck in before the party concluded to see how things were going.
As soon as I walked in the door, I spied my old offensive line coach and we chatted for a bit. He told me that the "dances" were hilarious, and that, for the most part, they boys and girls "ran after each other" and maybe "by the final song they would get in a dance." When we caught up with Michael we found him hanging out with Sterling and Nathan, both kids that are on his football team; he just met these kids a few weeks ago, and this type of camaraderie generated is a big part of the payoff of being on the team.
Of course, these events aren't all about male bonding; the entire school was there, including his friend Suzanne. I would have talked to her, but she and Michael were literally running after each other as the final few songs blasted in the gym that night. They didn't dance, but this was only his first opportunity.
RAPatton (9.16.2009)
As soon as I walked in the door, I spied my old offensive line coach and we chatted for a bit. He told me that the "dances" were hilarious, and that, for the most part, they boys and girls "ran after each other" and maybe "by the final song they would get in a dance." When we caught up with Michael we found him hanging out with Sterling and Nathan, both kids that are on his football team; he just met these kids a few weeks ago, and this type of camaraderie generated is a big part of the payoff of being on the team.
Of course, these events aren't all about male bonding; the entire school was there, including his friend Suzanne. I would have talked to her, but she and Michael were literally running after each other as the final few songs blasted in the gym that night. They didn't dance, but this was only his first opportunity.
RAPatton (9.16.2009)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Footsteps
Even though Michael has moved on to Middle School, Alex remains at Eli Pinney and even has one of his brother’s previous instructors, Mrs. Archer. For a younger sibling it often seems that you are often walking in someone else’s path, which can be comforting but also constricting.
A great thing about Alex is that he is one who, for the most part, leverages the trail blazed for ahead to his advantage. He sees what is to come and takes what he likes. For instance, Michael now has a study hall; Alex likes the idea, and even though he has no significant amount of homework, has embraced the concept, and has decided that he is going to start a study hall of his own, after school one day a week. Being a social creature, he has already roped in Kami and Jane to join him.
As much as he loves, admires and looks at Michael’s choices for guidance, Alex isn’t quite a follower. He doesn’t so much rebel against his brother as choose his own path as shown by his choice to play guitar, his preference for action over comedy in entertainment and his social nature. In Alex’s case, there is no doubt that he admires his brother but following in his footsteps doesn’t mean he doesn’t make his own along the way.
RAP (9.15.2009)
A great thing about Alex is that he is one who, for the most part, leverages the trail blazed for ahead to his advantage. He sees what is to come and takes what he likes. For instance, Michael now has a study hall; Alex likes the idea, and even though he has no significant amount of homework, has embraced the concept, and has decided that he is going to start a study hall of his own, after school one day a week. Being a social creature, he has already roped in Kami and Jane to join him.
As much as he loves, admires and looks at Michael’s choices for guidance, Alex isn’t quite a follower. He doesn’t so much rebel against his brother as choose his own path as shown by his choice to play guitar, his preference for action over comedy in entertainment and his social nature. In Alex’s case, there is no doubt that he admires his brother but following in his footsteps doesn’t mean he doesn’t make his own along the way.
RAP (9.15.2009)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Good Start
Michael started middle school last week and things seem to be going pretty well. It is a big change, but he has stepped into those shoes and they seem to fit; perhaps I should say it was the reading glasses that fit, because the same pair he refused to wear last school year suddenly became part of his wardrobe as he rushed over to see Suzanne at the bus stop.
He is on the same "team" (6-2) as some of the kids from his football team and has been having lunch with his teammates Sterling (a sweet, big, happy kid who wears red cleats) and Nathan (a new kid from Centerville). He enjoyed his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt, is especially excited about Tech Lab (an afternoon class where they learn about computer animation, graphic design) and thinks his science teacher Mr. Baker is "really funny."
The greatest hallmark of change came after the first day of school, when he wasn't even home. I had rushed home to change after my workout, so I could go watch him, and his brother, at football practice, when the door bell rang. It was Suzanne. She let me know it would be OK for Michael to ask her to go to one of his games or a choir concert, and if he wanted to, he could watch her tennis match or come to her concert. It seems that middle school is off to a good start.
RAP (9.3.2009)
He is on the same "team" (6-2) as some of the kids from his football team and has been having lunch with his teammates Sterling (a sweet, big, happy kid who wears red cleats) and Nathan (a new kid from Centerville). He enjoyed his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt, is especially excited about Tech Lab (an afternoon class where they learn about computer animation, graphic design) and thinks his science teacher Mr. Baker is "really funny."
The greatest hallmark of change came after the first day of school, when he wasn't even home. I had rushed home to change after my workout, so I could go watch him, and his brother, at football practice, when the door bell rang. It was Suzanne. She let me know it would be OK for Michael to ask her to go to one of his games or a choir concert, and if he wanted to, he could watch her tennis match or come to her concert. It seems that middle school is off to a good start.
RAP (9.3.2009)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Shepherd and Rockin' Sheep
As the dawn of their teenage years approaches, I expect that music is going to become more important to the boys, as it often does at that age. As their father, it is my responsibility to shepherd them as they discover their musical taste to help them discover the better material and avoid the musical junk food. I've always had them listen to what I listen to, and that has shaped them to this point. One of my happier moments was when a very small Michael charmed the sales girls at Vroman's Bookstore singing "Molly's Chambers" as I checked out years ago.
This past year I've decided that they are old enough to start attending live shows. They've had a pretty good time, enjoyed some of the performances and they liked hearing from all the enthusiastic (and drunk) concert goers about how "cool" it is that they are there. To this point, we've only taken them to outdoor shows, so as not to damage their hearing, but I've been able to take them to meet a few bands for smaller acoustic sets at indoor locations. One such opportunity happened Monday afternoon of last week when I was able to introduce the boys to the lovely Emily Haines and James Shaw of Metric; it was quite a thrill, and, I hope, a memory that will last. It was a good way to cap off the summer, but school has started and with it homework. Yesterday, Michael had to fill out a questionnaire as part of his choir homework. I glanced over it, and when I saw that he wrote "Alternative" for his preference in music, I smiled.
RAP (8.27.2009)
This past year I've decided that they are old enough to start attending live shows. They've had a pretty good time, enjoyed some of the performances and they liked hearing from all the enthusiastic (and drunk) concert goers about how "cool" it is that they are there. To this point, we've only taken them to outdoor shows, so as not to damage their hearing, but I've been able to take them to meet a few bands for smaller acoustic sets at indoor locations. One such opportunity happened Monday afternoon of last week when I was able to introduce the boys to the lovely Emily Haines and James Shaw of Metric; it was quite a thrill, and, I hope, a memory that will last. It was a good way to cap off the summer, but school has started and with it homework. Yesterday, Michael had to fill out a questionnaire as part of his choir homework. I glanced over it, and when I saw that he wrote "Alternative" for his preference in music, I smiled.
RAP (8.27.2009)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Task is the Reward
Finding the right thing to motivate a child isn't always the easiest thing to do. I almost always prefer the carrot to the stick because, although you can make them do something with a stick, I'd rather have them make themselves do it to acquire the carrot.
Somewhere between all the books, films and travels, an essential skill of childhood had fallen through the cracks for Alex; he had never learned to ride a bike. Part of it was the time; the good weather months are always very busy. The other component of the equation was that he never really had any interest it. Early this summer, I finally discovered what would make a bicycle appealing to him; he lit up at the prospect of riding to the pool with Michael. The sort of freedom and adventure it could bring was too much for him to resist any longer. I acquired a bicycle for him that would be easier to learn on than his brother's, and we worked with him. As the summer progressed, he became better and better at riding. And last week he was ready to ride off to the pool with his brother (shown here).
I prefer to use rewards are as motivation, but it is especially sweet when you can find a confluence where the task itself is part of the reward, and I am hopeful that they will realize that most things that seem hard can take them places they may want to go.
RAP 8.26.2009
Somewhere between all the books, films and travels, an essential skill of childhood had fallen through the cracks for Alex; he had never learned to ride a bike. Part of it was the time; the good weather months are always very busy. The other component of the equation was that he never really had any interest it. Early this summer, I finally discovered what would make a bicycle appealing to him; he lit up at the prospect of riding to the pool with Michael. The sort of freedom and adventure it could bring was too much for him to resist any longer. I acquired a bicycle for him that would be easier to learn on than his brother's, and we worked with him. As the summer progressed, he became better and better at riding. And last week he was ready to ride off to the pool with his brother (shown here).
I prefer to use rewards are as motivation, but it is especially sweet when you can find a confluence where the task itself is part of the reward, and I am hopeful that they will realize that most things that seem hard can take them places they may want to go.
RAP 8.26.2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Stroll on their Own
I've always tried to watch the same movies and television programs as the boys, just as I encourage them to read books I've read. It controls the quality of storytelling they take in, steering them towards (what I believe) to be better written and execute material, but it also gives us something that we can relate with and talk about; it acts as a cornerstone as they share what they thought about a particular piece.
However, they are getting older, and as much as I see myself in each, they are not just a subset of me, and they have to be allowed to become their own people (with guidance), with their own tastes and experiences. For the most part, I've been hanging farther back in recent times, usually within ear shot. This summer I've taken it a step farther, by allowing them to go to the movies nominally on their own. They have to stay together, I give them a cell phone, and I choose earlier less crowded shows, but they are watching it on their own. At Michael's age, I would often spend the day at the cinema, watching film after film, and it seemed that they were ready for this step. Of course, while not in earshot, I am not to far away; just the next theater over, in case they need me, or more typically so that they can share what they loved about the movie.
RAP (8.21.2009)
However, they are getting older, and as much as I see myself in each, they are not just a subset of me, and they have to be allowed to become their own people (with guidance), with their own tastes and experiences. For the most part, I've been hanging farther back in recent times, usually within ear shot. This summer I've taken it a step farther, by allowing them to go to the movies nominally on their own. They have to stay together, I give them a cell phone, and I choose earlier less crowded shows, but they are watching it on their own. At Michael's age, I would often spend the day at the cinema, watching film after film, and it seemed that they were ready for this step. Of course, while not in earshot, I am not to far away; just the next theater over, in case they need me, or more typically so that they can share what they loved about the movie.
RAP (8.21.2009)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hail to the King, the Raiders and those on the Road
We've taken the boys to Mardi Gras (not once, but twice), on hikes down to blacks sand beaches and erupting volcanoes, to the best museums (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian, Getty Villa, Field Museum etc.) and have exposed them to a variety of other experiences to broaden their view of the world in order to help them find what parts of it are for them. A component of that effort has been bringing them to the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theater each year to show them some of the best films ever made the way they were meant to be seen. Well, perhaps Raiders of the Lost Ark, which we took in last Saturday night, was not meant to be seen with an intermission and with an organist, but it was meant to be taken in with an audience that laughed and cheered; having 1,800 of your closest friends giggle and clap as Indy pulls his gun on the swordsman at the market in Cairo is something that you don't get when you watch it on your plasma screen TV, even on Blu-Ray.
Another film I took them to view was the 1933 version of King Kong. They really had no idea what Kong was going to look like, and just as audiences had to patiently wait 70 years ago, so did they. When the King of Skull Island appeared there was a small amount of delight, and a bit of dismissal from the kids of the CGI era with the cutting edge claymation of the 1930s. However, it soon entranced them as Kong fought a Stegosaurus, an Apatosaurus and T. Rex in succession. After the production, they claymation was all they could talk about, and in the twinkle of their eyes once could see new avenues open up in their imaginations.
Next week I hope to take the to Hope & Crosby's Road to Bali. It is an entirely different sort of film from Kong and Raiders, but I suspect that they were really like Hope's humor. Maybe the will, perhaps they won't, but it will add to their experiences, and give them something more to pull from, a perspective broader than just the days that they have lived.
RAP (8.20.2009)
Another film I took them to view was the 1933 version of King Kong. They really had no idea what Kong was going to look like, and just as audiences had to patiently wait 70 years ago, so did they. When the King of Skull Island appeared there was a small amount of delight, and a bit of dismissal from the kids of the CGI era with the cutting edge claymation of the 1930s. However, it soon entranced them as Kong fought a Stegosaurus, an Apatosaurus and T. Rex in succession. After the production, they claymation was all they could talk about, and in the twinkle of their eyes once could see new avenues open up in their imaginations.
Next week I hope to take the to Hope & Crosby's Road to Bali. It is an entirely different sort of film from Kong and Raiders, but I suspect that they were really like Hope's humor. Maybe the will, perhaps they won't, but it will add to their experiences, and give them something more to pull from, a perspective broader than just the days that they have lived.
RAP (8.20.2009)
Monday, August 3, 2009
New and Old
One of the hallmarks of any trip is the new things to which we are able to expose the kids. This sojourn to southern California included their first visits to the Getty Villa, the Skirball Center and Griffith Park Observatory; the Observatory, which had been closed for renovation in recent years, was particularly wonderful as it allowed them to see the city from new perspectives and gaze at the details of the moon through the telescope.
As a society, we tend to obsess on newness to a degree and somewhat overlook the depth of experience gained by going to the same places over and over again; a trip to Los Angeles certainly wouldn't be the same without heading to down to Santa Monica for some fun, sitting at the counter with your ice cream at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy or browsing the bookcases at Vroman's. There is a familiarity that allows you to be free to know the greater details and make it more than a place, but one of your places.
More importantly than acquainting the boys to places new and old are the people - the joy of seeing old friends and sharing your new experiences with them, plus the excitement of meeting new friends with whom to play in the park or have dinner.
RAP (8.3.2009)
As a society, we tend to obsess on newness to a degree and somewhat overlook the depth of experience gained by going to the same places over and over again; a trip to Los Angeles certainly wouldn't be the same without heading to down to Santa Monica for some fun, sitting at the counter with your ice cream at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy or browsing the bookcases at Vroman's. There is a familiarity that allows you to be free to know the greater details and make it more than a place, but one of your places.
More importantly than acquainting the boys to places new and old are the people - the joy of seeing old friends and sharing your new experiences with them, plus the excitement of meeting new friends with whom to play in the park or have dinner.
RAP (8.3.2009)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Never Too Old For Fun
Watching them dance in the fountains at The Greene, weaving through fountains and younger children, reminded me that I am very happy to see that Michael and Alex aren't in a rush to be older. I've seen it with many of their friends, a rush to appear older and more mature so that they can be cooler by disposing of anything that can be considered remotely childish, no matter how much fun it is.
They are growing up, and will continue to get older and more mature no matter what they do, so their is no wisdom in forcing it by jettisoning the things that they love; conforming doesn't make you cooler so much as less interesting. In the interest of full disclosure I must confess that I have a penchant to behave like a child with my sons, and do the things that I enjoyed as a kid with them. Alex informed the girls this last week about such as lobos, a very childish form of general roughhousing we like to play, and their wide eyed response was that he has a cool dad.
RAP (7.16.2009)
They are growing up, and will continue to get older and more mature no matter what they do, so their is no wisdom in forcing it by jettisoning the things that they love; conforming doesn't make you cooler so much as less interesting. In the interest of full disclosure I must confess that I have a penchant to behave like a child with my sons, and do the things that I enjoyed as a kid with them. Alex informed the girls this last week about such as lobos, a very childish form of general roughhousing we like to play, and their wide eyed response was that he has a cool dad.
RAP (7.16.2009)
Monday, July 6, 2009
... And the dark clouds passed
Despite the inclimate weather in the late afternoon, I believe our annual Fourth of July party was a success once more. It brought me joy to see that the kids were not too old for the bounce houses, and I took particular pride in how the new LED items in the goody backpacks were such big hits; from young to old, the kids seem to have a magical time with them in the twilight hours.
One of the thrusts of this party, and the birthday parties, has been to help the boys socially by creating the circumstances where good experiences can happen and friendships bloom. Michael spent the day with Suzanne, and even watched the fireworks by her side as the best of friends. Alex is always the life of the party, and in between horseplay it was amusing that we had three different sets of adults, not kids, ask "Where's Alex?" when they saw us. Our sons aren't the only ones that can benefit, and I didn't know when it started, but this year, it was another child that would gain a needed, little boost socially. That kid seemed to gain a little confidence and camaraderie as the day went on and the dark clouds passed.
RAP (7.6.2009)
One of the thrusts of this party, and the birthday parties, has been to help the boys socially by creating the circumstances where good experiences can happen and friendships bloom. Michael spent the day with Suzanne, and even watched the fireworks by her side as the best of friends. Alex is always the life of the party, and in between horseplay it was amusing that we had three different sets of adults, not kids, ask "Where's Alex?" when they saw us. Our sons aren't the only ones that can benefit, and I didn't know when it started, but this year, it was another child that would gain a needed, little boost socially. That kid seemed to gain a little confidence and camaraderie as the day went on and the dark clouds passed.
RAP (7.6.2009)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Some of the best things in life...
The boys read a great deal, and, for the most part, I they read whatever they like, but occasionally I shepherd them into titles that they wouldn't select for themselves. I contend there is some value into being forced to expand a bit outside your comfort zone.
In the past, the titles I have chosen for them included Jules Verne's Mysterious Island, William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. Last week, I asked Alex to read Neil Gaiman's Newbery Award-Winning Graveyard Book and Michael to read Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. They both enjoyed their assignments; Alex staying up past midnight to finish, and Michael enjoyed it so much that asked if we could watch the movie. I was very agreeable to the request, if only to reinforce the good experience, so I downloaded the 1973 version from Amazon, and told him he could invite the neighborhood kids for a screening.
Kami, Suzanne, Patrick and Jane came over and watched the movie with us while feasting on popcorn, junior mints and root beer; a good time was had by all. However the highlight of the evening for the kids was the 20 minutes of ghost in the graveyard at the conclusion of the film. They were screeching, laughing and hollering in a manner that would best be characterized as joy. Some of the best things in life are the things that aren't planned like the chaotically organized backyard games at the end of day, or the book that you were asked to read.
RAP (6.26.2009)
In the past, the titles I have chosen for them included Jules Verne's Mysterious Island, William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. Last week, I asked Alex to read Neil Gaiman's Newbery Award-Winning Graveyard Book and Michael to read Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. They both enjoyed their assignments; Alex staying up past midnight to finish, and Michael enjoyed it so much that asked if we could watch the movie. I was very agreeable to the request, if only to reinforce the good experience, so I downloaded the 1973 version from Amazon, and told him he could invite the neighborhood kids for a screening.
Kami, Suzanne, Patrick and Jane came over and watched the movie with us while feasting on popcorn, junior mints and root beer; a good time was had by all. However the highlight of the evening for the kids was the 20 minutes of ghost in the graveyard at the conclusion of the film. They were screeching, laughing and hollering in a manner that would best be characterized as joy. Some of the best things in life are the things that aren't planned like the chaotically organized backyard games at the end of day, or the book that you were asked to read.
RAP (6.26.2009)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Triumphant Return
Sunday afternoon, Alex was helping sand and paint the bench that sits in the front walkway; when offered the opportunity to join the endeavor, Michael declined, and I can't blame him. It isn't something I would want to do either, but Alex seemed to enjoy it. Later that afternoon, Michael decided to open up a lemonade stand, and when asked to become part of the enterprise, Alex chose to forgo the offer.
That lasted about 8 minutes, until Michael came storming home because he had sold out his first batch. It seems that Michael had chosen a very good location and a very good time to hawk his golden citrus beverage of a bygone era: the Memorial was ending, causing a stream of people to exit Muirfield, and Michael wisely chose to place his business where the people were. When Alex witnessed the success Michael was having, it was as if he heard a call to arms and he jumped right into the melee. They sold lemonade as fast as we could make it and had a line of people waiting when the lemonade pipeline ran dry.
As alike as they are they are, they are different people; Alex likes to accomplish things and enjoys success; he wants to see the new bench, smell his fresh cake and see a line of customers. Whereas Michael craves a specific type of success: he is most happy when he makes a vision of his reality. He doesn't want an editor for Kool Kid or Jack the Ghost Hunter; he wants to tell his stories, his way. On this day, he wanted to be a barker successfully soliciting people to his "home made" lemonade stand, and living what he envisioned is what made him happy.
What brings me joy is that they are there are becoming their own men, but are able to align and leverage their desires and skills in a common cause; speaking of which, they are already planning what they are going to do in the late Saturday and Sunday afternoons during next year's Memorial.
RAPatton (6.10.2009)
That lasted about 8 minutes, until Michael came storming home because he had sold out his first batch. It seems that Michael had chosen a very good location and a very good time to hawk his golden citrus beverage of a bygone era: the Memorial was ending, causing a stream of people to exit Muirfield, and Michael wisely chose to place his business where the people were. When Alex witnessed the success Michael was having, it was as if he heard a call to arms and he jumped right into the melee. They sold lemonade as fast as we could make it and had a line of people waiting when the lemonade pipeline ran dry.
As alike as they are they are, they are different people; Alex likes to accomplish things and enjoys success; he wants to see the new bench, smell his fresh cake and see a line of customers. Whereas Michael craves a specific type of success: he is most happy when he makes a vision of his reality. He doesn't want an editor for Kool Kid or Jack the Ghost Hunter; he wants to tell his stories, his way. On this day, he wanted to be a barker successfully soliciting people to his "home made" lemonade stand, and living what he envisioned is what made him happy.
What brings me joy is that they are there are becoming their own men, but are able to align and leverage their desires and skills in a common cause; speaking of which, they are already planning what they are going to do in the late Saturday and Sunday afternoons during next year's Memorial.
RAPatton (6.10.2009)
Friday, June 5, 2009
Campfire Tales
Yesterday was last day of the school year, and the boys celebrated with their annual end of the year camp out. The excitement has been palpable as they have been planning each detail in recent weeks. They made the invitations, drew up the guest list, planned the menus, prepared the activities and even thought up and rehearsed some shenanigans. You may worry about them missing out their lives while looking forward to something so strongly, but the thing is, the joy in the anticipation far outweighs the night of s'mores and ghost stories with Kami, Suzanne, Jane and Kai the way I see it. Of course, I am knee deep in planning our annual 4th of July celebration even now.
RAPatton (6.5.2009)
RAPatton (6.5.2009)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Life of the Party
In a continuing effort to broaden the boys horizons we took them to not 1, but 2, big time concerts last week. On Thursday night we ventured to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They are a band that are going to popular for years to come, and looking forward, there attendance at this concert should impress their friends when they start getting into music in a few years. Originally, I wasn't going to take them, but they sold out the Newport in 6 hours and the show was bumped up to the LC, an out door venue; I wasn't really pleased about that, but I decided to make lemonade by taking the boys with us, which I wouldn't do to an indoor venue yet (in order to protect their ears).
On Friday night, we returned to the LC to enjoy Jane's Addiction; whereas the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are a band of this millennium, Jane's Addiction is an important staple of the last one. The boys both thought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was a better show, but Michael had a great time at Jane's Addiction; he was dancing with people, and, in general, was the life of the party. People were telling us what a great kid he was and wanted to shake my hand at the end of the show because of how cool our Michael was. It was a pretty amazing thing, because even though they liked the music and the performances better at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Michael was able to broaden his world by reaching out to people, and manufacture his own very good time.
RAPatton (6.1.2009)
On Friday night, we returned to the LC to enjoy Jane's Addiction; whereas the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are a band of this millennium, Jane's Addiction is an important staple of the last one. The boys both thought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was a better show, but Michael had a great time at Jane's Addiction; he was dancing with people, and, in general, was the life of the party. People were telling us what a great kid he was and wanted to shake my hand at the end of the show because of how cool our Michael was. It was a pretty amazing thing, because even though they liked the music and the performances better at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Michael was able to broaden his world by reaching out to people, and manufacture his own very good time.
RAPatton (6.1.2009)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Return of the Lobos
Last Thursday, I was a bit down, so I went out and made some happiness. I called the boys in and without warning I let out an ancient battle cry; "Lobos!" I screamed, as I hurled pillows across the room at a fantastic velocity for an old man. Moments later the counter attack began:
Michael to right of me,
Alex to left of me,
Pillows in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with cushions and pillow!
It was a melee of absurd violence as I used the pillows as projectiles and to sweep their legs while the would return file and even jump from the bed to my back as they used their superior numbers (2 versus 1). Even using my flash as a blinding weapon, they were giving me all that I could handle. The best thing about it was last night, Michael and Alex came to me when I was on the computer, and without any warning, let out a scream "Lobos!"
RAPatton (5.28.2009)
Michael to right of me,
Alex to left of me,
Pillows in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with cushions and pillow!
It was a melee of absurd violence as I used the pillows as projectiles and to sweep their legs while the would return file and even jump from the bed to my back as they used their superior numbers (2 versus 1). Even using my flash as a blinding weapon, they were giving me all that I could handle. The best thing about it was last night, Michael and Alex came to me when I was on the computer, and without any warning, let out a scream "Lobos!"
RAPatton (5.28.2009)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
So That They Can Become Independent Young Men
The heat arrived and the pools opened last weekend, just as the seem to come in tandem each Memorial Day weekend. As we are ones to embrace what is good in each season, we rushed to the pool to dive, splash and swim once more, just as we have done before, and as I hope we will do in years to come. There could be a tendency to say that all that has happened before, will happen again, and that things don't change, but that statement will be a bit lazy; much has changed in the foreground as the background remains in rhythm
For one thing, Michael is getting so big, he certainly doesn't fly through the sky when I throw him like he once did, and Alex is now doing flips off the diving board like his big brother. A more important step forward in their coming of age is that the boys spent time at the pool all by themselves on Sunday. It was only 90 minutes, but they managed to return home without any broken bones and all of their teeth. They are growing up, and not only don't need their parents overlooking them at all time, but require a degree of freedom so that they can become independent young men who can operate on their own with confidence.
RAPatton (5.27.2009)
For one thing, Michael is getting so big, he certainly doesn't fly through the sky when I throw him like he once did, and Alex is now doing flips off the diving board like his big brother. A more important step forward in their coming of age is that the boys spent time at the pool all by themselves on Sunday. It was only 90 minutes, but they managed to return home without any broken bones and all of their teeth. They are growing up, and not only don't need their parents overlooking them at all time, but require a degree of freedom so that they can become independent young men who can operate on their own with confidence.
RAPatton (5.27.2009)
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