It was 85 degrees today where I live. I say that for two reasons. First, it’s relevant to what we did as a family today and second, I know most of you are freezing things that shouldn’t ever be frozen and I thought I’d just rub it in a little bit. You’re welcome.

So, as I was saying, it was hot today. And on hot days, especially in the middle of winter, my wife always wants to go to the beach. I can’t say I blame her. We live a short drive from the beach. It’s one of the reasons why we moved to San Diego and we should take advantage of it when we get a chance. It’s just going to the beach stresses me out. Parking’s a bitch. I have to carry more items than a pack mule and usually someone ends up crying. Yeah, it’s usually me but that only makes it worse.

But today, I must admit, wasn’t so bad. In fact, it was downright good. It turns out that tourists aren’t clamoring to go to the beach on Martin Luther King Jr. Monday. And as we settled into the sand and got through lunch without a sandwich falling into the sand, I began to unwind. And before I knew it, I was digging in the sand with the kids and dodging oncoming waves as they ran up on shore.

And through all of this, one thought popped into my mind. We’re making memories. Lately, you see, I can’t help but realize that Swee’Pea and TheMonk are nearing the age I was when my own father died. I only have a few memories of my father and most of them are within the last year of his life. So I am keenly aware that these times I’m spending with Swee’Pea and TheMonk will be things that they could actually remember. Because of that, I want to make these moments that much more memorable.

And as I swung TheMonk over each incoming wave to his shrieking delight, I wondered if he’d remember this moment 35 years in the future. But as I hung on tightly to his little arms, I thought to myself, God willing, I know I will.

For as long as I can remember we have been reading bedtime stories to Swee’Pea and TheMonk. That 15 to 20 minutes of reading might be my favorite part of the day. I genuinely miss it when I have to work late or we skip reading time because we’re late getting to bed.

In the past six months, something cool has begun to take shape. While I read, Swee’Pea and TheMonk have been following the words as I read them. A few months back they began to shout out words as they recognized them (which is kinda distracting when you’re trying to read, but I’ll let it go this time) and it has been more and more evident that they can read a lot of words.

Over the past few years, we have read quite a bit. We cheer on Madeline and Finklehopper Frog. We learn Fancy words from Nancy and worry about that hobo ant on the railroad track AND on the parking lot. We say goodnight to the moon and listen in on loving words between Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare.

But one of my favorites is good old Dr. Suess. We enjoy Cat in the Hat, The Thinks You Can Think and Wocket in My Pocket, but my absolute favorite is Green Eggs and Ham.  I can read that book over and over again.  In my mind it is one of the best books ever written.  And, it seems, TheMonk likes it a lot too.  He chose Green Eggs and Ham as the first book he ever read to Mommy and Daddy.