The Sweet Spot . . .Logan just turned 10, Vaughn 6 and a half
A number of times this year, we’ve caught ourselves thinking how great these ages are and how simple things are at the moment. Logan and Vaughn’s major requirements at this stage are lots of exercise, lots of food and time to play with their friends. Not that complicated. There’s no big drama with friendships, and most arguments or tears can be resolved with letting that person take a penalty kick. There’s no big interest in girls yet, unless they are good soccer players and join-in on the game. While the decibel level can be extreme when hauling around packs of boys in the car, we love listening to the giggles, conversations and silly car games they make up.
The car is packed with soccer balls, footballs, baseball gloves (recent addition), snacks (probably mostly crunched in the seats) and water bottles (to drink and flip, ohh…the flipping). We have a good ortho on speed dial, know which local urgent care is the best and have lots of bandaids in the glove box.
It’s been a few months since summer, but the kids still wax poetic about it (maybe when they shouldn’t be, like when doing homework!). But who can blame them? It’s hard not to smile when thinking about a typical summer day: meet friends at the pool or beach, swim, boogie board, play soccer in the sand, and eat a snack shack dinner. Bonus if we see the sunset with their crew & parents. Rinse off. Repeat.
While school days & evenings are packed with activities, usually once a week the kids will meet friends at the park. Again, we’re in the sweet spot of the 4th graders being patient with the 1st graders, so these epic games of soccer & football happen with both kids’ sets of friends. We love that the kids play together a ton, and want to enjoy it while it lasts. We’re starting to see the need for more independence coming soon.
Ever since Emily’s Dad & Cathy had their Oktoberfest-themed wedding in 2013, it’s become a tradition for them to host an Oktoberfest Reunion every other year. Not only is it a wonderful occasion to remember their wedding, but it’s such a beautiful time of year in Indiana. Just a few months after our regular summer vacation there, it was wonderful to see family & friends again so soon.
While we still miss Eric’s dad so much, we’re really happy that Eric’s mom, Margaret, moved back to Redondo Beach this summer. Her apartment is right across the street from the beach, so close to us, she can come over any day of the week to visit. Here she is on Christmas with the Tanaka boys.
Going back through this blog on an annual basis, we appear to close with a similar picture of the two of us every time. It seems appropriate, hugging each other tightly, as we smile & exhale at the end of another year, wishing you much love & happiness as we welcome 2017.
Please enjoy our video.
Happy New Year!
The Tanakas (Eric, Emily, Logan & Vaughn)