A Fun End to a Fun Day

Wednesday was one of those days that was just, well, about perfect.
In the morning, I watched one of the real transcending sporting events of my life when the United States won 1-0 in a World Cup match that could not have been more thrilling. The only thing that would have made it better was if I was with other people watching it. Unbelievable.
Satchel woke up in a great mood and we got together with my friends Chris Beatty and Jeff Carpenter, and Chris' kids. Satch had a great time playing with his friends and Chris and I had fun catching up with Jeff, who I don't think we've seen since we graduated from high school, 17 years ago. It was good to catch up.
The day was beautiful, warm, sunny, almost like summer was actually here in Seattle. What a concept!
We came home and later in the day, Jess, my Uncle Bob, Satchel, my dad and I played out in the yard. Satchel is big on soccer, and so that's what we did. We played "as a team," as Satchel said, and had so much fun. Satchel really perfected his diving, constantly needing to be carried off the field. I don't know where he got that from, but it's impressive.
But really made the night great was how it ended. Jess, Bob, my mom and I sat on the couch until midnight as my mom and Bob talked about what it was like for them growing up.
My mom grew up in a tiny village in upstate New York named Port Henry. My grandmother and grandfather had eight kids. My mom is No. 3, Bob is the baby (though he's 45 now). He, my uncle Bill and my aunt DeeDee came here last week for my brother's wedding, which was great. It was so fun to see them.
I know a lot about how my mom grew up, but not as much as I'd like, or should. Which is why I love my wife so much (well, one of the million reasons). I'm a journalist, but when it comes to asking questions to my family, I suck. Not Jess. She wants to know. I've learned so much more about my family since I married Jessica than I ever did before.
And so it was so great to listen to my mom talk about how they spent their summers, how my grandparents handled having eight kids in a tiny village where there isn't much to do. It was just great to hear my mom remember things, remember how, while they didn't have much, it was great growing up there. Hearing her talk about fights they had, neighbors they had, places they went. It's a bit hard to describe, but it just allows me to know my mom and that part of my family better, and that's so valuable. I've had similar experiences with my dad - again, thanks to Jess - and that has been just as fun and valuable.
Anyway, it wasn't anything big, but it was the perfect way to end such a great day. Simple, free and fun. What more do you need?