Kids have a way of putting things in a frank manner that can be a good thing sometimes but also a bad thing on some occasions.I like blunt talk for the most part and find speaking in a candid fashion is always most productive when possible. My 5-year-old son, Beckett, agrees apparently because he is… Read more »

A little family getaway last week to Great Wolf Lodge put our kids’ contrasting personalities on full display.For weeks, Pam and I were looking forward to observing our kids in a new setting with a host of similar-aged little ones. We were curious to see how they liked staying in a hotel because it had… Read more »

Aside from some snowball fights here and there, my boys have not played in the snow a lot. This winter has changed all that to be certain.We have yet to do the big ski trip, but I’m sure that’s in our future at some point once they get a little older. In the meantime, they… Read more »

It’s the random conversations with kids that can oftentimes surprise and therefore are the most enjoyable.Pam had one chat of note with Beckett the other day on the way to school that she was anxious to share with me. It went something like this.Beckett: Did you know that yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday?Pam:… Read more »

The family had our first “Disney On Ice” experience last weekend.I went in with low expectations, which were quickly squashed. I am not referring to what I thought the Disney folks would put together. I just wondered how my boys were going to be during the two-hour show. Sometimes it’s best to assume ahead of… Read more »

Our kids are just 17 months apart in age. At some point, I believe that will be a good thing. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.At this point, though, with Beckett, 5 ½, and Carson, who turned 4 in November, there is a lot of refereeing and overseeing that needs to take place.It’s… Read more »

It’s always interesting in the days after Christmas to see which gifts from Santa receive the most attention from the kids. The favorite for Carson, 4, was a big tractor-trailer truck he received that was full of smaller cars that could be stored inside. That truck was a hit but the fact it came with… Read more »

Some thoughts on the Christmas season …I’ve been thinking we are currently at the peak of Christmas excitement in my house. With our boys now 5 and 4 years old, we are in a stretch of magical years that we will remember forever. The good thing is if I get bogged down in the details… Read more »

Of all the key traits necessary to be a decent parent, I am beginning to think efficiency is perhaps the most critical to retaining a healthy level of sanity. Some parents I know are the most efficient people I have ever met. It’s not because they want to be, but it’s out of necessity. From… Read more »