We keep a small toy box next to Joe’s car seat. It’s a toy. It’s a box.

Are you ready for some football!?! No? OK, then how about some photos of Joe and other stylish youngsters at a football game?

Elementary school night at the Colonial Heights High School football game. It’s halftime. Do we get Kathy Perry? Janice Jackson? Cirq de Sal’ad? Hell no!

We get elementary school students. And all the better, too, because the only wardrobe malfunctions up in this stadium were untied shoes and dads that really should have put a clean t-shirt on for god’s sake. I mean really.

Why are we at a football game? It’s half-past bedtime.

Oh, that’s why – friends!

She’s a great mom. I’m sure those who knew her in high school, college and through the court system will be surprised to hear it, but it’s true.

Halftime, and the Tussing Tigers are fired-the-f-up!

Who gets to start this show? Why, it’s Tussing Elementary – first of the three Colonial Heights elementary schools to walk the track, leading this tiny Parade of Nations.

Best for last – Joe brings up the rear, like Santa Claus (or the horses, depending on the holiday for which the parade is being held). Later this season he’ll break out the raccoon fur coat and straw hat. Playing his uke and leading raucous cheers through an over-sized megaphone.

Also, football. The C.H. Colonials trounced the Southampton Indians 28-12. That’s right, the Colonials decimated the Indians. Sad trombone, play us out …

Our neighborhood is nice. Quiet, good people, and on a night like this lots of kids on bicycles and new people to wave at.

The new place has a pool. How posh.

We’ve never had a pool, so it may turn out to be a big pain. Or, it just may turn out to be cool, refreshing awesomeness. Joe’s grotto.

Anyway, a week or two ago Joe got hammered, threw off all his clothes, and ran screaming out the door. Then he stopped, carefully put on his Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, and – Aww Hell Yeah! – jumped into the pool wearing nothing but a drunken grin! And his floaty, because safety first, amiright?!

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO PUT THAT DAMN CAMERA DOWN!?
I will #@%#&! destroy you.

First grade starts next week. Joe stopped by to check out his new office, sign some autographs, shake some hands. Scream for me Tussing!

The lucky teacher? Ridpath, Room 210.

Joe and Ms. Ridpath already know each other, so he felt right at home. Even us parents are looking forward to having Ms. Ridpath. She’s cool!

The view from Joe’s desk.

Mr. McCoig, one of Joe’s favorite people. Joe also got to see Ms. Krupp, Ms. Lee, Ms. Finch, Ms. Renee and a ton of other friends.

Ahhh the old #9 line. Time to go home!