We celebrated birthdays recently for both Rachel and Emma and as always, the cousins had a blast. The kids are growing up before our eyes and it’s obvious how much fun they have together. Fun times and good food, that’s what family parties are all about.
We call Jason Reggie Rib when we serve BBQ ribs and Larry Lamb Chop when we grill lamb chops. He usually eats more than me and this picture shows the BBQ sauce evidence and pure joy on his face.
Emma turned six and had a fun Scooby Doo themed party.
The best game at Emma’s party was a race to see who could cover the grandparents like a mummy. We just saw foreshadowing of all the TP parties the kids will have in high school.
I do it all wrong and I love it. Lisa starts cooling down the boys an hour before bedtime, then I come in and destroy all her hard work. The boys and I love to wrestle, tell jokes, answer trivia and generally have a ton of fun before they sleep. Bedtime is generally an hour delayed after I roll through their rooms. Lisa is a fantastic photographer and captured us in action.
Friday afternoon was a day to remember. My father-in-law “Chopper” was kind enough to invite me to his club for a quick round of golf. Not only was the weather post card worthy, we also had nobody playing in front or behind us. The course was pretty much our private playground for the afternoon, so midway through the front nine I called Lisa and asked her to bring the boys down to meet us at the turn. As you see below it was a perfect photo op, plus since the course was so empty, we decided to allow Derek to join us on the back nine.
Do you notice an extra smirk on Jason’s face? One minute prior to this photo, he jumped in the cart, hit the gas and attempted to drive over a flowerbed and onto the 10th tee. It was a little scary, but after no damage was done or memberships revoked, we had a good laugh. Lisa said Jason continued to laugh about it all the way home. He’s going to be a handful when he gets older. I’m looking forward to every minute!
Chopper and I played some of our best golf that afternoon, so Derek just may have an altered view of his dad and grandad’s golf skills. Our tee shots on the 10th were booming (or us) and right down the middle. We looked at each other and noticed Derek seemed unfazed. He was probably thinking how much further he hits the ball when playing Wii. If he only knew I usually hit a monster banana slice into the tennis courts on that hole.
We even let Derek hit a few balls, including one traveling 100 feet and banging the top of our moving cart. Derek had a blast! Chopper and I loved it too. The best part was seeing three generations playing golf together on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Life if good! Enjoy it while you can.
This is Derek preparing to crush a 250 yard approach shot to the 11th green. It was just short…
Do you think Derek is used to posing for pictures? Look at the textbook perfect back-swing!
Three or four times every summer, Hermosa Beach hosts an amazing Sunday concert series on the beach at sunset. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of people bring their beach chairs, wine, cheese and a passion for free entertainment. It’s great fun for everyone old and young. We usually bring three generations with us and occasionally four generation when our grandparents join the party. Our boys have been joining us since they were in baby bucket seats and now they enjoy dancing the night away. Just wait until they notice all the little cuties in bikinis…
Yesterday was a perfect day, celebrating the 4th at Craig and Melanie’s house. BBQ, washers, adult beverages and even classic suburban fireworks in the front yard. We even celebrated a happy 66th birthday for Lisa’s dad Brian (aka Chopper).
Derek had his 4th Junior Lakers game today, what a blast! Final score: 10 to 6, for their first victory, but who’s counting? Derek scored two baskets, one being from long range. Watch the video, but please no calls from agents until he turns seven.
This father’s day was perfect. Breakfast in bed, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Then the gifts arrived, Hanae Mori cologne from Lisa hand crafted gifts from my boys. Jason made me a clay paperweight/pen holder and Derek created a frame decorated with puzzle pieces and loose washers. Wow, what craftsmen!
We spent the afternoon swimming at Craig and Melanie’s house with all the kids and my parents. Craig cooked Carne Asada and Shrimp tacos and we finished the day watching an amazing closing round to the US Open. It was a great day spent with my favorite people.
