Sands Point — 7/24/16

Exploring the sea wall and the sea at Sands Point on the Long Island's North Shore last weekend.

The Dominican Trip

Finally posting some of our photos of our recent trip to the Dominican Republic. (Photos in no specific order, sorry in advance for the cheesy captions.)

Dash and Hugo met new friends :) 

So this resort had a kids waterpark! We thanked our lucky stars.

...because that meant Jen and I could enjoy rum drinks and not scramble around, shadowing our kids every second.

Cheers!

At the fancy-schmancy hibachi restaurant–trying to go beyond hamburgers and pizza with these boys.

Some days Hugo had difficulties with the beach, but not this day.

Yes, lucky stars once again...water-park'ing it.

Not a selfie, but a "two-of-us-ie".

How's the pizza, Hugo?

Senior Grumpy-pants...apparently, couldn't get enough mango.

Cute.

Foam party! It's a thing at these resorts. But, not too safe for the niños.

"Mommy Blanco!"... Foam-party selfie.

Hugo lost a front tooth on this trip.

Getting our "travelers" before we head down to the beach.

Dash works the sand.

Ocean time with mommy.  

On to First Grade!

Jen and I attended the P.S. 2Q Stepping Up Ceremony on Friday.  So very proud of Dash!

This post from Jennifer on Facebook: "Dash celebrated his stepping-up yesterday at PS2. He had a little dance solo with his classmate Sapphire to "the Twist." They sang a song about being ready for 1st grade. These little ones can read, write, add and subtract. Great teachers help make them more than ready!!"

One of Dash's awesome teachers :)

Sorry for the shakey video, we were in the back of the crowd...

Good Bye, Miss Frida.

My post from yesterday on Instagram:

As if this day couldn't get any worse, we lost our loveable Frida-girl this morning. I made this

piece when our two dogs were puppies (Frida is the blonde one, you can catch a couple of images of her farther down the feed). Wow did they put us through the ringer in those early days! Wasn't a day that went by where there wasn't a mess to clean up or something in our house wasn't chewed to holy hell. Frida though, came into her own as a smart and loving dog, a dear companion to me and Jen throughout our marriage. 


When we first took her and her brother home, while living in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, we were told their names were "Tiger" (Diego) and "Fozzy" (Frida). In some small-town diner we decided to rename them. We threw out some gems like "Chips and Salsa" and "Barts and Farts" ...those were good for a laugh, but it was "Frida and Diego" that really seemed right to us.

Goodbye, Miss Frida. We will miss your bright and endearing presence profoundly.

Jen's post from yesterday on Facebook:

One of the most agonizing days of my life. It's one thing to wake to horrible news and wrap your head around what your work day will be like. It's another knowing you're losing a loved one. Our fuzzy white dog Frida died today. She and her brother Diego look different but are from the same litter. We started our marriage with them. Watched them as puppies run fields in Wisconsin. Laughed as they pissed on Wall Street as adults. And got sentimental as they curled up on Hugo's bed in their senior years. 

Evan has been an attentive caregiver the last couple days. He knew her time had come this morning, but as work duties called, Frida made the call for us, and died in Evan's arms as he carried her to the car for the hospital. Diego is sure to shred the house as he realizes his lifetime partner is gone. RIP our sweet, smart, and extra barky Frida. Give the Chinese delivery guy in heaven the greeting he deserves.

Hula Hoop Champion

Continuing the Brown Family athletic legacy today, Dashiel earned first place in the P.S. 2 Field Day hula hoop contest! Awesome job, Dash!

New Work

After 21 years in independent school education, I have accepted an offer from Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York as their Director of Communications. Here's to new and meaningful experiences.

FDNY Open House

Awesome time at our local station. Engine 312...The Hell Gate Gang.

Take me out to the Ball Game!

In 1977, my dad took me to my first baseball game.  It was the Blue Jays, in their inaugural year, taking on the White Sox at Exhibition Stadium on a cold day in mid-April.  I can't tell you who won, but I can tell you I ate hot dogs, and shared and shelled peanuts with my dad.  We bought a program, and I bought a large White Sox button much to my dad's chagrin. "Why?" he asked.  After all this time, I am not exactly sure why. I just remember liking their '70's-stlye logo, the one with the geometric batter getting ready to swing.  Anyway, baseball, for kids, isn't so much about the game, it's about the experience—their experience.

So this past weekend, defying the cool rainy weather, we took the boys "out to the ballgame." It was a little rough early on for Hugo, who really, really wanted to be out on the field playing. But, there were hot dogs and snacks and merchandise (note Dash's new hat) and space to walk around below the stands, AND, most importantly, a chance to run the bases at Citi Field (video below)! We had a wonderful time, and if you were wondering, the Mets lost to the Giants. I think the score was 6-1. We're are hoping this will be the first of many visits to Citi Field.