Summer of Tending

From April until the end of July, Walter and I kept two of our grandsons while their mother was away.

They each had a bedroom in our house and shared a bathroom.  There was plenty of room for them.  Colin is 12 and Alijah is 5.  They played together well even though the age difference sometimes was challenging when finding things they both would enjoy together.

Towards the end of their stay with us we decided to take them to Florida to see the ocean and play on the beautiful white sand beaches.  So we took a road trip to Alabama and then on to Miramar which adjoins Destin.  They had a good time playing word games in the car.

The ocean and beach completely overtook them with joy.

Alijah Shows Excitement

This picture, out of all the ones we took, shows the most elation.  Alijah had a great time both in the water and on the beach. He doesn't swim yet.

Colin Plays with a Sand Tool

Colin swims very well.  He was able to go out further in the water. He had a good time touching fish and following them under the water.

Sand Castle

Grandpoppie brought along some buckets and tools that Alijah used to create a sand castle.  The sand is so clean and white in Destin!

The Family Gather for a Group Shot

Towards the end of the day, I had already covered up my bathing suit.  I don't do well in direct sun or indirect rays bounced off the water. I burn easily.  The guys all seemed to enjoy the day.

Colin Found a Sand Dollar

We collected many shells and even a live sand dollar.  Some of the shells had their critters stil in them. When we opened the car trunk later at home - well - I will leave the smell up to your imagination.  But I can tell you it was awful.

Walter's Burned Back

We were tired so we grabbed a pizza and went back to the hotel.  No more activity until breakfast the following morning.

We spent the entire morning in the hotel swimming pool.  Alijah got to enjoy more of the water that way.  Colin got to dive and swim with abandon.  The Blue Angels were practicing maneuvers and they flew over us once!

Regrettable Sun Burn for Me

Although we used sun block, we still managed to get too much sun.  Due to this we passed over more beach time and drove through the town for awhile instead.  We ate at Bubba Gump's Restaurant. The guys were happy with their sea food meals.

We took a nap afterwards and then took in the movie Finding Dory.  We ate ice cream outside of the little shop in the mall.  The boys rode a train around the mall.  We had a great vacation!

We only had a couple of days with the grandsons after we returned from Florida. We hope they had a trip to remember for a long time. God is good.

Alijah's 2nd Birthday Party

Our youngest grandchild turned two back in February.  We had a small family get together for his birthday.  I was having so much fun that I didn't get pictures that documented the party entirely.  But here are some that turned out clear and properly focused.

Colin and Alijah at the Piano

I always love it when I see the grandchildren "playing" the piano.  Maybe one of them will someday really want to study and practice on our piano.

Alijah Smiles Prior to the Candle Lighting

We had balloons and banners for Alijah.  His mother, Robyn, made him a cake with chocolate icing.

The Sippy Cup is Still His Friend

He loved his cake and I have spared him the sight of all the chocolate that ended up on his face.  When he is into his teens, I think he will thank me for that!

Robyn Concentrates on Placing the Candles

Alijah's mother put all kinds of candles and decorations on his cake.  It was so tasty too.

A Potty Chair with Sounds

He got lots of gifts suitable for a two year old boy.  I mean who doesn't want a potty chair that make sounds when you use it?

Grandpoppie Starts the Box Opening of the Desk & Easel

We got him a combination desk and easel.  That should be fun and useful for a few years.

Colin Bolts from the Chair

Okay, not a very good picture.  Why won't grandchildren wait to move until you get the camera focused?  Robyn's friend, Cindy, waits patiently in the background.

Uncle Chris and Cousin Austin Watch the Gift Opening

Alijah's gifts filled their car.  We enjoyed having the group of friends, children and grandchildren in our home.  Walter & I washed up the dishes and then treated ourselves to an outing.  We went to MTSU for the last home game of both the men and women's basketball teams.

The summary of our Saturday:  Alijah had a fun birthday event and we had a good, full day.

God is good.