Phillies fan Steve Monforto has made the Primo Papa Play Of The Week. The moment he had with his little girl Emily after she threw back the foul ball he caught is priceless. The video and quote highlight his readiness for the big leagues of parenthood. Way to go Steve!
"I think she was startled by the reaction of the fans around us — there was a collective gasp," said Monforto. "She was also startled by the look on my face. I just wanted to let her know it was OK — that she didn't do anything wrong." - Steve Monforto
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
3rd of Sept., A day I'll always remember
No need to be alarmed my dad is fine. I was doing some research for a future post and stumbled upon a video of the Temptations performing "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Considering that the opening line is "It was the 3rd of September, a day I'll always remember. Cause that was the day my daddy die." and today is the 3rd of September, I couldn't resist.
I have started typing and started again, but every time my entry comes off way too preachy. So I will just say this:
I have started typing and started again, but every time my entry comes off way too preachy. So I will just say this:
- Live what you want honest people to say about you to your kids when you are gone.
- Make a will / living trust, and have proper life insurance.
- Take every opportunity large and small to create lasting memories with your kids.
Thanks dad, for being a cornerstone instead of a rolling stone.
Tub Talk with Grandma
Last night was full of great bath time with my son, and I didn't even have to get splashed. My mother-in-law was over and he requested her for assistance with his evening scrub. He always has a few antics he likes to pull when grandma does bath time but last night was a classic.
Image not available
Self-explanatory
During his final rinse before getting out, my son introduced Nanna to his new topic of conversation when he is in the tub. Full of pride and with a big grin he proclaimed, "Nana, I have a beautiful penis!" Long pause from Nana. Nana didn't have any boys of her own, so this fascination with the human physique is new to her. In a valiant effort to normalize the conversation she replied, "Yes you do have a beautiful penis, and beautiful toes, your eyes are beautiful, you have beautiful ears, and....." this went on for about five more body parts. To which he replied, "I like my penis." That was the end of bath time. I was able to enjoy the entire exchange from the comfort of my couch. While the price of admission is high, having kids is the greatest show on earth!
Self-explanatory
Monday, August 31, 2009
The rewards of patience
Sometimes reading with my son is painfully slow. He has his favorite books and we read them over and over again. As much as I relish that time with him, I can lose sight of the blessing of it all. I mean what could he see that he hasn't seen before?
The older he gets the slower he turns the pages of these little books. Watching him you would think that he is going to fall right into the pages - and that's when it happens. Those eagle eyes find the most minute detail on the page.
It would have never occurred to me that the Harper Collins Publisher logo looks like the flames in the fireplace of the great green room in "Goodnight Moon". But he points to it and says "there's another fire". I chuckle with amazement and concur with his observation. Then I am again thankful for the patience to see something click in his powerful little brain.
The older he gets the slower he turns the pages of these little books. Watching him you would think that he is going to fall right into the pages - and that's when it happens. Those eagle eyes find the most minute detail on the page.
It would have never occurred to me that the Harper Collins Publisher logo looks like the flames in the fireplace of the great green room in "Goodnight Moon". But he points to it and says "there's another fire". I chuckle with amazement and concur with his observation. Then I am again thankful for the patience to see something click in his powerful little brain.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Let's go somewhere daddy! Update 08/29/09
As a kid I vividly remember saying to my father every Saturday, after the lawn had been mowed of course, "Let's go somewhere daddy!" To which he would reply, "What do you want to do?" I had nothing, all I knew is that I wanted to be with my dad anywhere other than our house. I needed some adventure in my life!
While I haven't been faced with that proposition yet, I get some heat from time to time for not being creative with weekend activities. So no complaints here about a hard week at work or not having access to information. This short list of things to do in and around Los Angeles will bring smiles to a little face and win you some points with mama. With your help the list will grow in geography and depth over time. Please join in and help leave this list better than you found it by adding little adventures from your home town!
El Segundo 5 Minute Express: This is a great old school drive through set-up. Think "Car Wash" the movie but totally automated. Once you pay, simple drive, put your car in neutral, and enjoy the sights. The brushes, soap, and waxes are multi-colored. There are flashing lights and 200 mph blow dryer at the end.
LAX: There are two observation places to watch planes take off and land. The best is next to the In n' Out on Sepulveda and Lincoln in Westchester. There is a small patch of grass across the street. When the planes come in they are so close you could read news print if it were on the belly of the plane. Be warned this side is loud and may scare little kids.
For take-offs head to W. Imperial Highway. There is a high point on the street with an observation area looking down over the south runways. This place is complete with benches and one of those binocular gadgets that looks like a face. There are plenty of plane enthusiast with their telephoto cameras so you can't miss it.
If you spend lots of time on the West side then hit the Santa Monica airport as well. You can read more about it in a previous post. Primo Papa: Cheap Thrills
Trains: One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to ride the miniature steam train in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA. Great fun and only a dollar or so per ride. It was such a thrill to take my kid on his first train ride there this past holiday season. He had a blast as well. You can't beat the views, traveling through tunnels, and weaving between mossy redwood trees is exciting. The whistle of the train with plumes of white steam coming out is unforgettable at any age.
http://www.redwoodvalleyrailway.com
While I haven't been, there are also mini trains in Griffith Park. If you have taken a ride let us know what you and the kids thought.
http://www.gprah.com
The Nethercutt Museum: Here is a great collection of vintage and classic cars in pristine condition. If you live in the San Fernando Valley or are up for the trip, this place is a must see. You need to allow for a couple of hours to visit this place, so small kids will be over it in a matter of minutes. I can't wait to introduce cars as an art form! I have a while yet, so Hot Wheels will have to do for now.
http://nethercuttcollection.org
If the Valley is a bit far out give the Peterson Automotive Museum a try. You will get your money's worth if your kids can hang for a few hours and like cars. This is another can't wait for me.
http://www.petersen.org
Update 8/28/09
I just learned of the Makerfaire in San Mateo, CA. This is an expo for tinkering creative types. It looks like a great place to learn about the next gadget to come out of a local garage. Any science/engineering minded kid should have a blast. Look out for Maker Faire 2010.
http://www.makerfaire.com/
At this point I am about tapped out. Like directions, I refuse to ask a woman's help on this one, so dads chip in your suggestions. You will be saving another dad when he is faced with the inquiring statement "Daddy, let's go somewhere!"
While I haven't been faced with that proposition yet, I get some heat from time to time for not being creative with weekend activities. So no complaints here about a hard week at work or not having access to information. This short list of things to do in and around Los Angeles will bring smiles to a little face and win you some points with mama. With your help the list will grow in geography and depth over time. Please join in and help leave this list better than you found it by adding little adventures from your home town!
El Segundo 5 Minute Express: This is a great old school drive through set-up. Think "Car Wash" the movie but totally automated. Once you pay, simple drive, put your car in neutral, and enjoy the sights. The brushes, soap, and waxes are multi-colored. There are flashing lights and 200 mph blow dryer at the end.
LAX: There are two observation places to watch planes take off and land. The best is next to the In n' Out on Sepulveda and Lincoln in Westchester. There is a small patch of grass across the street. When the planes come in they are so close you could read news print if it were on the belly of the plane. Be warned this side is loud and may scare little kids.
For take-offs head to W. Imperial Highway. There is a high point on the street with an observation area looking down over the south runways. This place is complete with benches and one of those binocular gadgets that looks like a face. There are plenty of plane enthusiast with their telephoto cameras so you can't miss it.
If you spend lots of time on the West side then hit the Santa Monica airport as well. You can read more about it in a previous post. Primo Papa: Cheap Thrills
Trains: One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to ride the miniature steam train in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA. Great fun and only a dollar or so per ride. It was such a thrill to take my kid on his first train ride there this past holiday season. He had a blast as well. You can't beat the views, traveling through tunnels, and weaving between mossy redwood trees is exciting. The whistle of the train with plumes of white steam coming out is unforgettable at any age.
http://www.redwoodvalleyrailway.com
While I haven't been, there are also mini trains in Griffith Park. If you have taken a ride let us know what you and the kids thought.
http://www.gprah.com
The Nethercutt Museum: Here is a great collection of vintage and classic cars in pristine condition. If you live in the San Fernando Valley or are up for the trip, this place is a must see. You need to allow for a couple of hours to visit this place, so small kids will be over it in a matter of minutes. I can't wait to introduce cars as an art form! I have a while yet, so Hot Wheels will have to do for now.
http://nethercuttcollection.org
If the Valley is a bit far out give the Peterson Automotive Museum a try. You will get your money's worth if your kids can hang for a few hours and like cars. This is another can't wait for me.
http://www.petersen.org
Update 8/28/09
I just learned of the Makerfaire in San Mateo, CA. This is an expo for tinkering creative types. It looks like a great place to learn about the next gadget to come out of a local garage. Any science/engineering minded kid should have a blast. Look out for Maker Faire 2010.
http://www.makerfaire.com/
At this point I am about tapped out. Like directions, I refuse to ask a woman's help on this one, so dads chip in your suggestions. You will be saving another dad when he is faced with the inquiring statement "Daddy, let's go somewhere!"
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