I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since.
My 2013 list is a typical hodge-podge of activity. Some of the events have links to when I wrote about them at the time. Others I wrote a little bit more about in this post.
20 January – A Winter Day Out in Providence – My wife left for a business trip, and I took the kids out for a successful outing to Rhode Island which included playing at the Providence Children’s Museum, a Providence Bruins‘ game (complete with thunderstix), & Harry’s Bar & Burger for dinner and ice cream sandwiches.
8-11 February – Blizzard of ’13 – also known as Winter Storm Nemo, dumped 25 inches of snow on our hometown making much delight for the children and cooperative snow removal ventures with the neighbors. The photo below is from our outing to Centre Street in Jamaica Plain to pick up beer & cheese.
28 February – Beck Song Reader Concert – I was part of a 50-voice choir bringing Beck’s songs of sheet music to life. You can see me singing out from the back row in the photo below.
Spring & Summer – Peter learns to bike – My son learned to ride a pedal bike. Now we need to work on braking.
15 April – Boston Marathon bombing – My kids and I were at a playground far from the Marathon route when it happened, and even if we’d gone to watch we’d have been far from the finish line, but it was still shocking to hear of the deaths and injuries. Especially considering that Patriots Day is a civic holiday that is perhaps the day on the calendar when Boston is at its most joyous, communal, and supportive. That spirit shined through with the many people – professionals and amateurs – who rushed in to help the wounded. I was touched by the outpouring of support for Boston, and if anything good has come out of this it is that they typically self-deprecating Bostonians are far more positive and confident these days. A few days later, we had the weird shelter-in-place alert, but still spirits were kept up as we shared news and jokes through social media. Not something I’d want to live through again, but I’m grateful for all the people who chose to help and that the casualties were not as bad as they could’ve been.
27 April – Regan Youth League Baseball Parade and Teeball – My baseball-obsessed son started playing teeball and we marched through the streets of Jamaica Plain, even stopping to sing.
May & October – Kindergarten Arboretum Field Trips – I stepped into a new role in fatherhood as I served as a chaperon on two school outings to Arnold Arboretum. I particularly like the spring trip when the kids got to see a snapping turtle up close and personal.
May to Present – Hope Central Church – We were in search of a new church closer to home and found a new spiritual home at Hope Central.
2 June – Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon – This time my daughter was my co-pilot on this great fundraising ride through the city.
12 June – US Open Cup game – Professional men’s soccer comes to Boston for one night only and it was great.
16 June – Father’s Day Outing to Wachusett Meadow – Two years in a row makes it a tradition, no?
28-30 June – Family Gathering in New Jersey – Susan’s family gathered in New Jersey to celebrate her Aunt Thelma and cousin Glen. Peter enjoyed playing sports and video games with his many boy cousins.
14 July – Circle the City on the Avenue of the Arts – Huntington Avenue became a pedestrian haven for just one day. I lead a walking tour. Peter played lots of soccer.
12 August – Georges Island – Vintage Baseball – On a beautiful summer day, we sailed to the Harbor Islands and traveled back in time to the dead ball era.
20-25 August – Family Camp at Purity Springs – We spent a week at the Purity Springs Family Camp in New Hampshire with some of the friendliest people ever, our days packed with activities like lake swimming (and jumping), archery, paddle boarding, pooh sticks, canoeing, knee boarding, s’mores making, cookouts, and hiking.
2-8 September – New York City trip – Another great trip to the City with Peter and his Nana.
14 October – Tufts Health Plan 10K – Our friend Sharon coaxed Susan into participating in this run. I enjoyed watching with the other spouses and children. And Susan did great finishing all 10 of the Ks. We are all so proud of her.
30 October – Red Sox Win the World Series – A great season, especially when viewed through the eyes of a five-year-old.
10 November – Claire & John’s wedding – Our dear friend Claire, godmother to our children, married a charming gent and we had a blast. The kids played their part in the wedding ceremony and then at the reception we played, and hugged, and danced, and toasted the newlyweds.
25-31 December – Christmas Travel – We’ve just returned from our annual holiday swing through North Carolina and Virginia. This year was extra special as the kids got to see all of their grandparents, all of their aunts and uncles, and most importantly, play with all of their cousins.
Goodbye 2013, you will be missed. Hello 2014, can’t wait to see what you have to offer.
Previously:
Panorama of the Mountains 