I have two boys, and I have lots of friends and family members who have girls, so there’s often an even representation at my house most days. I mention that because there is nothing better than watching and overhearing kids play together. From these play dates, I've noticed there are some subtle and … [Read more...]
Birthday Boy (Man)
Birthdays have never really been a big deal to me, nor were they growing up in my household. The only child birthday party I actually remember was my father taking eight friends and I to see the movie Hooper with Burt Reynolds for my 11th birthday. About halfway through this raucous comedy, an ample … [Read more...]
The We Day Effect
The story behind We Day is quite simple actually. You've heard of the two brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger, right? When they were young, Craig who was almost 12 at the time had flipped open a newspaper and discovered a headline that read "Battled Child Labour, Boy, 12, Murdered!" It made a … [Read more...]
Alice
My dog died the other night. It was shocking but not surprising considering her fulsome life. I basically eulogized her here, so I will not again (ok a little bit) but as the category above suggests, this indeed was a life event. Two things stood out about Alice’s passing. First, my eldest son, … [Read more...]
The Dust has Settled
I'm baaaack. So apparently I took my own advice and just checked out for the whole summer. Moving forward I promise to post more regularly. We have had one of the most insane two months of our lives and that's why I haven't been writing, despite having so much to write about! As you know on … [Read more...]
The Same But Different
Back to school is a familiar time with kids 11 and seven and adults 43 and 41. The anxiety has mostly been replaced by excitement and choice of clothing suddenly is important. In the past, a tank top and pajama bottoms would be the fashion non-statement, but now, the shorts must hang just so and the … [Read more...]
Turning 11
Eleven years old is a weird age. You are stuck in the middle of being too old and too young. The glow of innocence fades a bit and the queered eyebrows of realization that the world is not all sunshine and lollipops kicks in. Hudson turns 11 today. He is 5 foot 6 and about 120lbs, so basically a … [Read more...]
Joe Jonas Volunteers Too!
It's not often that a Grammy nominated and multi-platinum performer visits Kenya! On a recent volunteer trip the famous teen singer, Joe Jonas (yes, of the Jonas Brothers!) spent eight days on an experiential volunteer trip interacting and learning from locals. From beading with Maasai Mamas to … [Read more...]
It’s Good to be the King
Most parents would agree that each of their kids are different. Birth order and how it can influence the rest of our lives is well documented in a number of parenting books, none of which have I read. All I know is that my second is very different from my first and on this day of celebrating his … [Read more...]
Go East Young Man
My wife and I take off for Cape Breton tomorrow. We are very excited but also a little anxious; it’s a long, long drive. Not sure if you've ever driven out east but Cape Breton is about a 21 hour drive. More like 23 with us, the two kids and my bladder tend to slow us down a bit. This will be our … [Read more...]