Thanksgiving in Florida

Once again we spent Thanksgiving in Melbourne Beach. It was another wonderful trip, short yet rejuvenating. As usual mom hosted dinner at her house and Gianni was the super-helper setting up everything for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We spent the days as usual, at the beach and on the boat. One of the highlights of the trip was the morning that Gianni woke us up early to watch sunrise. Mom and I were a little reluctant to motivate, but we went with Gianni's enthusiasm. As you can see from the picture, it was a magical morning. We should all watch sunrise every day!

The Launching of the Babson Island 14

Recently we launch the Babson Island 14, which Dad, Gianni and I built over the last year. It was a very rewarding project. We are so thankful to have had Dad, a professional boat builder, to guide and teach us along the way. We call the boat "Gianni's Boat," as he worked on it countless hours after school and over the summers. Thanks to Dad for passing on his love of wooden boats to two more generations. I am quite sure that Gianni will pass on the joy this boat brings to the generations to come. To see how the boat went together, click here.

Map and Compass at Cardigan Weekend

A couple of weekends ago we joined the rest of the NH AMC Family Group at Cardigan Lodge for our annual outing. This year Gianni and his friends decided to participate in a new map and compass program instead of climbing Mt. Cardigan. The kids learned how to use a map and compass. Then they applied their skills leading us on three bushwhacks over the two days. We successfully arrived at our destination each time. Of course the dishwasher was a big hit again this year, with the kids cleaning up so helpfully after each meal. It is really empowering to know that we can go wherever we want in the woods and not get lost!

Veteran's Day Ride

On Veteran's Day I took these five boys for a bike ride from Haley Farm out to Bluff Point. The boys had fun crossing the railroad bridge and exploring a little single track on the way out. We had lunch on the bluff. The boys played for an hour at the bottom of the cliff, building things with rocks and flotsam. We limped home with one flat tire. I think they are all ready to do it again soon!

Nashua River Rail Trail Ride

We enjoyed a fun day on the Nashua River Rail Trail today with the AMC Family Group. The kids kept a fast pace for the 18 miles. We enjoyed lunch, beaver ponds and perfect fall weather. I had heard so much about how the rail trails are great for kids. Sure enough it was a perfect ride for families and kids of any age. Afterwards, we picked up ski boots for Gianni in Nashua, NH and then stopped by Paul's house in Acton on the way home.

Halloween Night Ride

I took Gianni and 7 of his friends for a bike ride at Bluff Point last Saturday night. It was the annual Halloween Night Ride sponsored by Mystic Cycle Centre. It rained hard on the drive down, so we were worried that we were going to get soaked, but the rain paused when we arrived at Bluff. The boys mounted lights on their handlebars, in some cases just a flashlight and duct tape. We signed in and headed out on the loop. I led and my dad and John Fogg followed the boys so we wouldn't loose any of them. The boys were hooting and hollering the whole way. It started to rain a bit toward the end, which made it that much more exciting. We made it back safely despite many falls. We brought them back home for a sleep over. That's a whole other story! In the morning, we checked the bikes, three flats! The boys are already planning on doing it again next year.

Quick, Cold Morning with the Blues

It was a cold Columbus Day morning. Gianni and I went out on Hobbes early to fish the surface at first light. Within an hour Gianni boated 5 bluefish to 9 pounds. As he hooked the last fish, he turned to me and said, "Dad, I feel bad, do you want to reel this one in?" All I did was drive the boat, put him on fish, unhook and smile. We were on our way home by 8am. It was a perfect father/son moment.