Merry Christmas

 

Actual photograph of Santa Claus. We left out a plate of cookies, milk, and Gritty's Christmas Ale (and some carrots for the reindeer). This morning, all that was left were an empty glass, an empty beer bottle, and some crumbs. Our camera, which was left next to the plate, had this photo on it. Kind of spooky...

Picasa

I've finally found a photo tool that does camera download, file management, categorizing, editing, and publishing all in one application. It's version 2 of Picasa, Google's free photo management software. I've been using the camera's download tool to get the pictures off the camera, windows explorer to organize and view them, and Kodak EasyShare to show them to you. Now I can do this all from one interface. Picasa is really great software that does all this in one application. And it's free. I'll keep the EasyShare account as long as it's free, so any albums I've posted here before should still work, but from now on I'll be using Picasa.

Here's the URL to the few albums I've uploaded so far:
http://picasaweb.google.com/tneutron
Now you have one entry point to see all the albums, and there's an RSS feed too.

So, grab the RSS, check the album page, or check here for updates on more photos.

Go Blue

 
I took Michael to a University of Maine hockey game in Portland. The Black Bears (ranked #3 in the nation) tied Mercyhurst, in what is essentially a pretty big upset.

Brownie

Emily is in Brownie Troop 1171. She just started, but is excited about earning badges and having a little "girl" fun once a week. It sure beats hanging out at the ice rink.

First Bubble

Well, in the spirit of using this blog to remember the little things, here's another milestone in the development of the Chapin kids: Emily's first bubble!

He Shoots, He Scores!

Michael had a game at the Civic Center. (How did Portland, Maine get the URL www.theciviccenter.com???). It wasn't one of those intermission during a Pirates game deals - we had the whole place to ourselves. The kids really get a kick out of that. It was also Michael's first game playing center. And, he scored his first goal. Congratulations Mike!

Babies

It's raining babies all around us! Chris is in Orlando this week visiting her nephew Jameson, her brother's first child. My high school friend Jody just announced he and his wife had their first child. My good friend from Buffalo, Mike, announced his wife just had twins. And my next-door neighbors, Steve and Kelly, have a newborn at home. Maybe if you combined them all, it might add up to a night's sleep.

Well, to all you new parents out there, congratulations! It is a difficult, strange, and wonderful journey you are on, and I hope you make the most of every minute. And, if you think changing diapers at 2AM is tough, try getting a 9 and 6 yr-old fed, to gymnastics practice, to hockey practice, finished homework, brushed teeth, and to bed all between 5 and 9PM (while your spouse is out of town!)...

Happy Feet

We went to see Happy Feet tonight. Very strange movie. Nothing like what I expected. With Robin Williams in an animated movie about penguins, I was expecting lots of Ice Age-like one-liners. It had those, but it was much more musical than I expected. And with a deep environmental theme beneath everything. Basically it was about how overfishing was causing the decline of penguins by depriving them of their food source. At one point, Michael leaned over and whispered, "either way, the fish lose". It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud.

Family Tree

I've been fascinated by genealogy since I was a kid, and about a year ago I decided it was time to get serious about documenting my family tree. After about a year of research, I have taken it about as far as I can. I've been using software called Family Tree Maker, which allows you to publish your family tree to a web page, which is what I've done. The Chapin/Bourkney Family Tree can be viewed at http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/h/a/Ted-Chapin/index.html. On this web site you can view an index of individuals, which lists data for that individual and allows you to traverse the family tree by clicking on links for parents and offspring. A plus sign next to a child's name indicates that person has children of their own. Another way to navigate the family tree is by following the InterneTree link, which displays a graphical family tree.

I hope you have fun browsing the family tree, and if you're a relative of Chris or Ted, by all means send us any data you have - birth days, locations, marriage dates, middle names, anything on any relatives - in-laws, half-siblings, step-children. We want to make it as complete as possible and a useful reference for anyone in the family.

Rainbow

Here's a spectacluar rainbow we saw earlier this week. It was huge - from horizon to horizon, and the brightest one I've ever seen.

Pictures

OK, here's an update on some photo albums.

Addition, including the game room (the last few photos).

Patriots Game & Tailgate Party 9/24/06.

Red Sox Game 8/18/06 (remember the longest 9-inning game in history?)

Who are these kids?

Here's a rare moment of sibling cooperation. We had a turkey vulture land in our back yard, and the kids were fascinated by it's huge size and awkwardness.

First Day of School

I know, I know, it's a little late. But I just downloaded a bunch of pictures from the camera and I need to catch up. Here's one from the first day of school. Emily is in First grade, and Michael is in Fourth grade. So far they are loving it. Emily adapted well to her first all-day classes, and every day reports making a new friend. Michael is settling in and getting used to homework again after a pretty lax summer. Now things are busier than ever with school pictures, open houses, parent conferences, soccer, gymnastics, swimming lessons... You get the picture.

Patriots

I went to the Patriots game Sunday night. They played terribly. The tailgate was fun, though, and the stadium is incredible.

Labor Day

We had a nice long weekdend. We went to the Boston Museum of Science on Saturday. The kids liked it, but we were not impressed. It seemed run down to us. Sevral exhibits were broken. Mostly the same old things that were on display when I went there on a 6th grade class trip. I was surprised at how many rude kids were there. Kids were running through the place, cutting in line, pushing, ignoring grown-ups altogether. Where were their parents?

Other than that we spent a lot of time with friends and relaxing. About to get the kids on the bus for the first day of school. I'll post some pictures.

UMaine Alumni Golf Tournament

A couple of weeks ago I played in a fundraising golf tournament for the southern Maine UMaine alumni association with the UMaine men's basketball coach. It was at Spring Meadows in Gray.

Water Country

We went to Water Country, a water park in Portsmouth, NH today to celebrate the end of summer. Chris has to work next weekend and after that is Labor Day and then School starts!

Red Sox vs Yankees

Michael and I went to see the Red Sox play the Yankees at Fenway Park on Friday night. It was an exciting back-and-forth game - until the Yankees scored 7 runs in the 7th inning to put us away for good, and I think for the season. It turned out to be the longest 9-inning game in Major League Baseball history at 4 hrs, 45 minutes long. We left at 12:45AM in the top of the ninth when Michael couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. The loss made the hour-and-a-half drive home seem that much longer.

Growing Up

Is there a more defining moment in parenthood than the day you teach your child to ride a bicycle for the first time? Sure, the day they were born may be the greatest day of your life, and when they speak their first words or take their first steps, those are milestones to be cherished for sure. But the day you get your little one on a bike, push them up to speed, and let go... that's the quintessential conflict that underlies all of parenting. I mean, you have to do this, right? Do you know anybody that doesn't know how to ride a bike? But it's inherently unsafe; a skinned knee is such a likely outcome. And you can only run alongside them ready to grab them at the slightest wobble for so long. So you just let go, and watch. You've done all you can: outfitted them with the proper safety equipment, explained to them that the conservation of angular momentum will keep the wheels' axes perpendicular to the ground so long as they maintain a critical speed threshold, and wished them luck. That's it. That's all you can do. Then they start pedaling faster and faster and pretty soon they'll be doing wheelies. But along with the conflicting sensations of loss and pride comes the satisfaction of knowing that you were there for them. So begins our transition from a provider of life support to a provider of moral support. I'm sure it will take us a while to get used to this new role, but in the end it will be just like riding a bike.

Summer Camp is Over

Tomorrow is the last day of summer camp for the kids. Emily only went for 3 weeks and was a little intimidated on the field trips. She loved most the camp activities, learning new games and doing crafts. For Mike, it's all about the amusement parks and water parks, and being King of the 4-square court.

Michael's summer hockey is in full swing. He has games on Fri, Sat, and Sun this weekend. Their team is undefeated, with only 1 tie. He'll have September off, which will give him time for soccer, then more hockey in October. He passes most of his time in the evenings watching the Red Sox.

Summer Fun

Well we've had such a busy summer that I haven't posted in a while, so I need to catch you up. Both kids have been at a day camp for most of July. Long, busy days, which helps get them to bed at night. They've been swimming at lakes and the ocean, crafts, games, amusement parks. It's nice because we don't feel like we have to do lots of stuff like that on the weekends when it's so crowded. Actually we've been doing a lot around the house on the weekends, like finishing the game room, gardening, and doing things with our neighbors.

We took a family vacation at Chris' Dad's house in Honeoye, NY. It was fun fishing off the dock, boating, kneeboarding, and tubing. Here's a photo album from that trip.

Last week Michael went camping with my sister and her family in Ellsworth, ME and did all sorts of fun things around Bar Harbor. And, this past weekend, Emily and I went tent camping in Oakham, MA with our college friends. We had great fun and spent the day Saturday swimming at the pool, beach, fishing (Emily caught 2 fish), mini-golfing, and hanging around at the camp fire.

So, summer just keeps rolling along as we try to make the most of it.

Michael baseball

Here is a photo album of Michael's 2006 baseball season.

Emily Haircut

Here's Emily's new look. Just right for summer:

School's Out For Summer!

Today was the last day of school for Michael; yesterday was Emily's last day. Next year they will be in 4th and 1st grades. I can't believe the kids have grown so much. It seems like time is going by faster and faster. I remember the days when summer vacation seemed to go on forever. Think about this for a minute: Michael is halfway to 18 and Emily is 1/3 of the way... We'll be empty nesters before we know it. What will we do then?

Google Earth

Google Earth is 1 year old. Check out this recap of the first year. If you haven't used it recently, fire it up. They now have high-res photos of 20% of the Earth's landmass. If you've never used it, get it. It's easy to use and you'll be amazed. If only Maine had more high-res data...

Penobscot Fishing Trip

We had our annual fishing trip last weekend. Although we got rained on, it was still a good 2 days of fishing. Very high water, but we still were able to find some nice bass. Shawn had the biggest at 20". I'll post a photo album when I get some pictures.

Nice Bass

Went fishing at Dundee Pond in Gorham. Caught 6 smallmouth bass.

Pirates

Went to the Portland Pirates game against the Hershey Bears. It was Game 5 in the Calder Cup semi-finals. Portland was down 3 games to 1 in the series, so they needed to win 3 in a row. After trailing 2-0 after 2 periods, it didn't seem like they were going to pull it of, but they scored 3 goals in the third period to win. Now they have to win game 6 here tonight and game 7 next week in Hershey.

Mom's Away

Chris is on her girls' trip to Las Vegas this weekend. The kids and I are enjoying some quiet, relaxing time and getting some chores done. Mike had a baseball game yesterday. He's become obsessed with the Catcher position. He's been playing catcher and when we watch a Red Sox game together, he points out what the catcher does. When Mike gets his mind set on something, he gets serious about it.

Seadogs

First Seadogs game of the season. The 'dogs tied it in the bottom of the ninth and then won in the 12th. Beautiful sunny day (yes, you can get sunburn in April...).

Mike had his first baseball game today. He's playng catcher this year and really likes it.

Pictures of Emily

I've updated a photo album of Emily that I started a couple years ago. She is still just as photogenic as ever and I added a bunch of pictures from the last couple years. Those eyes will still melt your heart like butter...

Happy Easter

Easter was great, I hope you had a great weekend too. We had lots of family here, which is what makes holidays great. Chris' Dad and his friend Katie came from NY; Janet, Larry, and Andy came, along with Trish, who had never seen our house; and Jack and his girlfriend Jen also came for the weekend.

We had lots of fun playing cards, going bowling, hanging out at the house. Easter morning Chris made an incredible brunch that had us all so full all we could do was lounge around the rest of the day, and it was very relaxing.

Monday the kids were on school vacation, so Bob and Katie took them for the day swimming at the hotel and to the movies.

The family is growing!

So the true highlight on our Florida vacation came from my little brother Keith. If you know me I am not good at keeping secrets but I did good this time. Keith announced that he and Cameron are expecting a baby!!!! Yippeee! I am so excited. I think I freaked them both out by crying and screaming for joy at the same time.

Last summer Keith and I had a chat about his future and he basically assured me that there would not be a wife and children in his future. He seemed pretty adament about it so I backed off with my interragation and reminded myself that it was his life and I needed to respect his choices.

But boy is it great when mistakes happen! I could not be happier for them. Cameron and her daughter Hannah (age 5 - same age as Emily) are going to be moving in with Keith and hopefully will bring some warmth to the bachelor pad. Maybe a few pots and pans, some dishes, a nice throw on the back of the leather couch, stuff like that...

We met Hannah and Cameron at Christmas this past year and truly enjoyed their company. They flew in to Portland on Christmas day and spent a few days playing in the snow and just hanging out with us. It was very obvious that Cameron and Keith are not only a good looking couple but they they seem really good for each other. We really like Cameron and Hannah and we can tell that they just adore Keith. He has always been so great with our kids and he is going to make a great dad to Hannah and the baby. As his sister, I think he is not only a cool guy but has turned out to be a very caring, loving, thoughtful man, that will make him an excellent dad and husband. (I hear they will get married... maybe after the baby.) I think this is a lot of change for both of them so the wedding can wait!

I wish mom was here for this because I am sure that she too would love Cameron. I can't believe that she is missing out on "two" more grandchildren. From the way she loved Mike and Emily ~ I can just imagine the glowing smile and loving gleam in her eyes for Keith and his new family! I am sure she is so proud of you, Keith!

So welcome to Cameron and Hannah! & we can't wait to meet the baby.

GO BRUINS

Michael and I saw a Bruins game today. They lost in overtime to the New York Rangers - disappointing since they came back to tie it to send it to OT. But, we had great seats, good food, an exciting atmosphere (even though the Bruins are prectically out of the playoff race). We took the train from Portland (the Downeaster). A little longer than driving, but no traffic, no tolls, no parking, and I took a nap both ways - can't beat it. Michael and I played an hour-and-a-half game of War on the way down. We even had time before the game to walk to Faneuil Hall and have lunch in Quincy Market. It was both of our first Bruins game and we will remember it for a long time.

No Little League This Year

Michael didn't make the Cal Ripken league. Out of 39 9-yr-olds who tried out, they only selected 6 for Cal Ripken (It's 9-12 yr-olds). He's fine with that - he'll probably play more in the minor league anyway, and be with more friends from his grade.

Little League Tryouts

Michael had Cal Ripken (Little League) tryouts today. I'll let you know when we find out the results. The last week, with the nice weather, he's been practicing in the back yard until dark almost every night. If he doesn't make it, it won't be from lack of effort.

Speaking of baseball, pretty promising way for the Red Sox to start the season, huh?

Red Sox @ Phillies

I went to Philadelphia this weekend with 3 friends from the neighborhood. The trip was ostensibly to see the Red Sox play the Phillies in a preseason game, but we all enjoyed some time away. The stadium was fantastic, the weather was good (despite a brief rain delay), and you can't beat the experience of watching a ball game with the guys with a cheesesteak in one hand and a beer in the other. We also sampled the Philly nightlife, visiting several Irish pubs and dinner at a great Cuban restaurant. It was a nice little trip.

Big Band

Took the family to a concert last night to see the Air Force Band of Liberty jazz band. Big band/swing. Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, Count Basie, etc. It was at the middle school auditorium, which is walking distance from our house (we didn't walk though - it was too cold). It was interesting, lots of old people. Wasn't sure if the kids would like it, but it was free and I figured it was an educational experience. Turned out they loved it - for about an hour, then they got squirmy and we went home.

I'm in Connecticut again tonight - have a meeting tomorrow in Waterbury.

Hockey Hockey Hockey

Michael's hockey season is over. He played 3 games in 2 days in tournaments the last 2 weekends in a row. They didn't win very often this season, but Michael tried so hard and became close with his teammates. A lot of good memories I'm sure he'll keep with him. We're pondering summer hockey league.

Emily is sick again. Just got over strep throat and I think she's got it again. Her tonsils are huge. Poor girl. Hopefully we can knock it out of her in time for Spring.

Chris is away on business in NYC until Wednesday. Then I've got another day trip to Waterbury, CT. Too busy these days.

Not much else to say around here.

Flying Wolverines

Michael and his hockey team (The Flying Wolverines) enjoy a Portland Pirates game. The Pirates lost, but the kids got to skate around with Pirates players during a post-game autograph session on the ice.

Addition

Wow, I know it's been a while since I blogged. I'll try to be more routine about it, but it's been so busy the last couple of months that some things just get forgotten. I don't want to write a huge post to try to catch up, just suffice it to say that Christmas was great, the weather's been weird, the kids and jobs are great, and there's not enough time in the day.

So, now that I'm all caught up, I updated the photo album of the addition. We're actually done with the family room part. WooHoo! The kitchen is almost done, and the game room has had almost no work. But it's great and we love it.

So, look for more hockey pictures and some of Emily's gymnastics.

Michael went snowtubing yesterday on a school field trip. Had a blast.

Disney on ice