From Bruce to the JoBros

Been gone way too long, but the busy dog days of summer have beckoned.

But just to get back in the swing of things, here's a quick and easy one.

It has become abundantly clear to me: One of the unexpected treasures of parenting that brings me immeasurable pleasure is experiencing a concert aside one of my children.

With Andrew, it's a Bruce Springsteen concert side-by-side pilgrimage. Watching him screaming the crescendos of Born to Run - fist-pumps, countdowns, anthem shouts and all - is a moving, unforgettable dosage of fatherhood. For that, Bruce, I will be eternally grateful.

And not to be diminished, it's a kick watching Heather in the throes of her own version of ear-splitting, 21st century Beatlemania at a Jonas Brothers concert.

These are the hidden surprises they never talked about in the parent's handbook.