My Son’s First Toronto Blue Jays Game

toronto blue jays

Well, that’s another experience checked off my dad bucket list.

On July 23rd, I took Harrison to his first Major League Baseball game and it was at the Rogers Centre to see the Toronto Blue Jays.

Seemed fitting since Harrison has been wearing a Blue Jays hat almost every day since he was two.

Ever since we moved back to Toronto in May, a baseball game was on the list of things we would do over the summer. Then it worked out that the Boston Red Sox would be in town. That meant a lively crowd and a fun atmosphere to watch a game.

As a sport to sit and watch, baseball might not be as exciting for a four-year old to watch. We have been to hockey and basketball games before and the action is always moving. Baseball has its own pace that can be a little slow at times.

But this was Harrison’s first professional sporting event, so that was much more to see and experience than what was happening on the field.

There was the size of the stadium, the big screen, the ballpark food and just watching all of the other fans.

I am not sure who was more excited to go to be honest.

Say Song Long To Afternoon Naps

IMG_20130728_205638

It was a good run. No, in fact, it was an amazing run. Most parents hate us for even complaining. Yes, our Harry has finally grown out of afternoon naps. His streak ends at roughly 58 months, just short of his fifth birthday.

I remember when Cal Ripken’s consecutive games streak ended at 2,362 games. That was amazing. But it did not impact my life. This no napping business, has turned my days upside down.

Anyone parent we tell this news to first makes a face of disgust and then goes on to say their child stopped napping years ago.

Yes, yes, we are lucky. But before the naps go away for good, I just wanted to say so long to afternoon naps.

Meatloaf On The Big Green Egg

meatloaftop

Updated January 26, 2026

Summer is here, and that means grilling or smoking fine meats and veggies. Common choices are chicken, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. But what about a classic cold-weather dish on the Big Green Egg?

I am talking about meatloaf. A simple but tasty dish that everyone loves.

For most, meatloaf is one of those winter meals that falls under the category of comfort food. Well, we all can use some comfort in the summer as well, right? Cold beer, good friends, and a giant helping of smoked meatloaf that just melts in your mouth.

What I like most about making meatloaf, whether it is for the oven or smoker, is that it is easy to make, and once it is cooking, there is nothing else to do.

My First Trip To Canada’s Wonderland As A Parent

wonderland1

For those of my generation, if you grew up in Canada, you knew what Canada’s Wonderland was. Even if you have never been, you knew the commercials that showcased people having a blast riding roller coasters and eating cotton candy.

My first trip to the amusement park was over 25 years ago. I remember it because it was the first summer for the white water rafting ride and we waited over three hours to get on it. I think this is where I first learned that lines sucked.

Anyways, since moving back to Toronto, I knew the time would come that we would return, but this time as parents.

Why Parents Should Make Time For Play

This is a guest post by David Reeves.

Playtime is the highlight of almost every child’s day, which is why parents should make time for play.

Even wild animals seem to crave a break in the day for play. We see birds chasing each other through the trees and think, “I wish I could do that!”

Yet when our own children beg us for time to play, or to play with them, there are often so many other things to do and places to be that playtime gets delayed.

It is important to remember that the idea of play differs for every child. Some children love structured activity while others look for the time to break out of structure and even run wild in the yard or on a playground.

That means there is no right or wrong way to play. Some kids like to play alone while others seek out groups, organize games or recruit their siblings to play along with them.

Bath Time Has Become A Real Game Of Thrones

Since we started bathing the boys together, there has always been a give and take when it comes to everything involved. What toys are played with, what nights are hair wash nights, who does each and most recently there has been a new development.

Forget ruling the seven kingdoms, the most coveted title these days is who gets to sit at the front of the bath. The front of the bath is where the power lies. You not only get to monopolize the water running out of the tap, you get to soak in the warmer water.

It has become a real Game of Thrones at our house.

Each night both boys race to get out of their clothes and into the bath. Not because they love the idea of getting clean or getting closer to bed time. Nope, they just want to be in the front position and stick it to the other kid for the entire process.

Dad Confessions: I Let The Kids Work It Out

june12-2014

For those who spend a lot of their day with kids, I bet there are a few things you keep to yourself.

Whether it is how you parent, what you slack off on or even what you feed (or don’t feed) the kids.

Now that I am home again all day with the boys, I have had to adjust to that life. While a one-year old and a four-year old are very different, I have been lucky to find a handful of activities they like to do together while I clean, cook or take a two-minute sanity break.

It’s one of the perks of having two kids right?

They can entertain themselves. Louis C.K. commented on having two kids in an article and said “Your first kid’s going to have a playmate, and an enemy, and all kinds of stuff that you don’t have to be anymore. It’s way better to be a referee than one of the boxers!” It is the truth.

I have always loved being a friend to our oldest son, but I know that I will never have the same relationship as he will have with his little brother. I am dad. I am the referee. I am their when they need stuff.

The New Normal Is Setting In

2014-06-06 10.22.22

We have been in Toronto for just over three weeks and a new routine has been established. It’s pretty basic. My wife goes to work and I manage the boys all day as I start the hunt for a job. Our situation has given me a lot of time to do this, so I don’t feel pressured to settle for anything.

Aside from the hunt, my day is all about keeping two energetic boys happy and entertained. It’s good work if you can get it, as a lot of people say. Of course, once I start working again, this will all change. So I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Our family is high on structure. We love it. Our kids operate on it. So it was important after the move to set it back in place. It did not take long. Actually, it is better than before and I feel everyone is more rested.