“We called them decorations,” St. Germain, of Lewiston, said. In reality, they’re collectibles from “Ghostbusters” and old monster movies. He’d kept them out of reach on a high shelf, but recently gave in and let the “decorations” become toys. Costello is particularly fond of the “Frankenstein” memorabilia. In fact, his favorite of his father’s tattoos is the Frankenstein one.

St. Germain has arms full of tattoos, a big beard, and often wears a denim vest featuring patches that represent music and other pop culture things he loves. Costello thinks that his dad is “really cool,” and St. Germain and his wife, Emma, have worked on crafting vests for Ford and Costello that match their dad’s. Ford’s vest features a patch of the classic punk band The Ramones. Both boys are also regularly outfitted in Chuck Taylor shoes, another favorite fashion statement of the rock scene.

St. Germain and his sons have shared interests as well; Costello and Ford enjoy the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Angry Birds.

“I know how to play Angry Birds,” Costello said. “My dad taught me. He’s the best at Angry Birds.”

Ford has an Angry Birds T-shirt and agrees that his dad is “fun to play with.”

St. Germain is still a bit of a kid at heart and has passed down a love of classic shows, games and comic book characters. Costello’s shoes are Batman-themed.

Costello also likes playing a toy piano with his dad. The piano was a birthday gift for Ford. Ford is shy, but Costello is protective; he calls his younger brother “my Ford.”

St. Germain thinks his parenting values are pretty traditional, despite his non-traditional appearance. “I think some people make assumptions about people with tattoos, and probably some of them think we don’t care,” he said. “But I’m really old-fashioned with my kids, and I’m patient and I do everything I can to put them first. I certainly don’t go get a tattoo if they need something.” His goal is to teach his sons by example how to be good men.

“I want them to grow up to be good-natured people,” St. Germain said. “If at the very least they grow up to be really nice people, I’ll feel accomplished.”

Costello said he wants to be like his dad when he grows up. “I’ll grow really big!”

St. Germain asked, “Do you want to have a big beard like Daddy?” and Costello laughed.

“No!” Costello said. “I don’t wear beards. I’m just a kid!”

His dad laughed, too. “Maybe someday.”