The Boutons Meet Lincoln Cole Walker Part II

All together now...AWWWWW!!!!

The Boutons Meet Lincoln Cole Walker

The most exciting part of our recent return to Florida had to be our first meeting with Lincoln Walker and his parents, Mark and Summer. I told Erin that it wouldn't be real that we were an aunt and uncle until we actually held the baby. Wow, I was right because now he is definitely and most wonderfully real. He's just beautiful, and Erin and I were in awe. And no...this doesn't mean we're starting a family this year. Thanks for asking. :)

You may not know this about me, but I don't handle a lot of infants. I don't really hang out with a lot of folks that have them around and it's not like in the normal course of life that I've ever been tasked with holding one. It's just amazing how small and complex they are. Apart from the whole miracle of life aspect which is pretty obvious to anyone holding an infant, they really are just fascinating. It's just beyond me that anything so short-lived is capable of so much wonder and majesty.

So having only been born about two weeks before our first meeting, it was understandable that Lincoln slept for our first hour together, talked little, and was a bit gassy. He made up for it later by being a great listener and exuding a casual charm that greatly impressed both Erin and myself. Many people, including myself, can be a bit wordy, but Lincoln says quite a bit with just a few gestures and facial expressions that are exact and economical. Case in point:

I think the one at the top left with the mouth wide open shows he takes after me in some ways.

Please note this following picture of him doing his best New Hampshire impersonation:

At two weeks, this kid can do a heck of a moose impersonation! I want this guy on my charades team.

Erin and I left Orlando really impressed with young Mr. Walker, and we can't wait to meet him again as soon as possible. It might be really cool to be an aunt and uncle. :) I wonder if he's seen Star Wars, yet?

Brian Visits Prep

So I visted Prep and took some shots of....umm....our dragonboat racing trophy we won our first year out. Didn't you meet up with old friends, colleagues, and students at Prep? Yes. Where are the pictures? Umm...well...see, I carry the camera in my pocket with me, and I was so excited to visit my former students playing a game I created several years ago that I didn't take any. And then I was so interested in hearing about the great new head of school and about how happy everyone is with the school, life, and everything else that I didn't remember to take the camera out of said pocket. So...I have this fine shot of a paddle.

Seriously, though, after my last visit to Prep in March when everyone's spirits were down, I was so overjoyed to see all my former colleagues and friends so optimistic and upbeat about the school's future. I love Prep so much which is probably why I've already visited twice since we've moved up here. It was far easier to leave the building than the incredible people that work within. Looking back, I might have taught at Tampa Prep for a number of years, however; I feel now that I was more of a student there learning how to become a better teacher from some of the best in the business.

Erin Visits Armwood

Erin and I returned to Florida earlier this month for her high school reunion and to meet our new nephew, Lincoln. While we were in town, Erin stopped in to see many of her Armwood friends, and I caught a few shots on the way. (I was really happy and surprised to hear how many of Erin's friends and former colleagues keep up with the blog.) Erin's former colleagues are really wonderful and have been so supportive of our marriage, our move to New Hampshire, and everything else we've ever tried. She was really lucky to have such an incredible group of friends and colleagues at her first school.

Armwood football is undefeated as of this post and Erin couldn't be happier. She still keeps up with Coach Cal and the team on TBO.com regularly.
Erin got a big kick out of wearing a visitor badge and having to sign in and out like any other person visiting the school.