While your Dad celebrated his 40th birthday at work, you, Camden, Madigan and I hit the highway early as a busy day unfolded:

• IHOP – we needed energy for our big day, so we kicked things off with a tasty breakfast – pancakes, syrup, eggs, toast, OJ and other tasty treats.  You picked the location; I hadn’t been there for years.  Perfect choice.
• Barnes & Noble – full bellies in tow, we left the car behind and walked over to B&N where each of you picked out a few special books. Reading Is Fundamental to a wonderful life.
• 5 Below –  next up we visited one of our 3M favorite destinations where you each selected items of interest priced at $5 or less.
• 30 Shore Lane, Dover –  it was time to get ready for our big hike, so we stopped at my house, got the Sierra Club backpack and filled it up with granola bars, almonds, peanut butter crackers, water and Gatorade.  We were ready.
• Wagon Hill – this was the feature of our fun day together.  We hiked the trails, walked on the beaches, threw sticks and stones into the water, discovered creatures made out of wood, ate our treats at Yummy Rock and went by the shore where an oil refinery could have been built in the 1970’s if not for the brave protest of Dudley Dudley and other concerned NH citizens.  While we headed up the long hill toward the car, the wind kicked up, temps dropped and the sun dropped low in the sky.  It was time to warm up.
• Emery Farm – tired and chilled, we drove to the little wooden house where we buy our Christmas trees every year.  Warm cider donuts welcomed us and we greeted them fondly, chowing them down in minutes… except for Madigan who preferred sweet maple syrup candy. To each their own, right?
• Back home – soon we were back at your house where you got ready to greet your Dad and celebrate his fourth decade of existence.  Happy Birthday to a fantastic son and father, we love you.