Nana is the one who initially dubbed her expectant grandsons Search and Destroy. Destroy heard those words from within and declared, “Challenge accepted!”
On the final day of our Oregonian excursion, we were herding our horde of hamsters into the rented DadMobile when Jon’s eyes went wide. A gash was newly imprinted on the car next to us. Destroy was happily climbing into his car seat and buckling himself right in. Even when he’s behaving he seems to strive for destruction. Continue reading
One of the more challenging aspects of a small town vacation with rambunctious newly minted 4-year-olds is finding an intellectually stimulating activity that will still drain the preschoolers of a good deal of energy.
To the park! Continue reading
We arrived at our destination and immediately realized that the “Economy” rental car selection was not actually a feasible option. So one upgrade later, and after schlepping tiny people and all accompanying suitcases, seats and miscellaneous stuff out to our new Subaru DadMobile, it became apparent our Dollar had not stretched far enough – the keys and the car did not match.
So we kicked off our vacation with a stunning tour of the PDX short-term parking garage, as part of a life-size matching game. (Age-appropriate development games for the muppets every step of the way.) Continue reading
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I could hear the boys squirming in bed long before the alarm went off. I rolled over to drowsily check the video monitor; Destroy had located his die-cast toy plane and was flying it around the perimeter of his pillow.
The moment permission to arise was granted the two were up like a shot – rocketing into our room abuzz with pre-flight excitement. Each muppet received a personalized backpack and was informed they could bring one toy in their carry-on.
From the kitchen I heard Jon explain, “No, you probably shouldn’t bring the hacksaw. The security people won’t like that.”
Plastic weaponry denied, breakfast consumed and an ungodly amount of baggage and it was time to embark upon our adventure. Continue reading
Destroy has always had a bit of an impulsive side to him.
From out of nowhere you’ll hear a primal yell. You’ll feel the walls shudder around you; what was once order will suddenly become a cacophony of chaos – disarray resulting from a category 5 hurricane muppet. Toys strewn in his wake surrender to the playroom battlefield as a 38-pound Godzilla conquers the northeast end of his home. Continue reading
Dear Search and Destroy,
Happy Birthday. You get it this year – buzzing with excitement, bouncing with anticipation.
You are such spirited boys, teaching your father and I so much about the world as we rediscover all around us through the magic of a preschooler’s eyes, all while creating the whirlwind of trademark muppet mayhem around you.
How far we’ve come. Continue reading
The cake arrived at 9 a.m. Two tiers of Gotham City and Metropolis fondant bat-signaling that Search and Destroy’s fourth year was upon us.
We had to hide the cake in the office. The excitement was already building to a peak, and it wasn’t even mid-morning. The party wasn’t until 3:30. Continue reading
Father’s Day is still a month out, but the folks over at Treat put together an adorable compilation video, asking kids what makes their dad special.
Can you spot the moment that makes me tear up every time? Continue reading
When I’m alone
I dream on the horizon
and words fail;
yes, I know there is no light
in a room where the sun is absent,
if you are not with me, with me.
At the windows
show everyone my heart
which you set alight;
enclose within me
the light you
encountered on the street.
What was once something taken for granted became something special; a time to look forward to became something needed. Continue reading
