Labor day BBQ party

We're in the midst of a stellar BBQ party at Mom and Dads. 

I grilled the burgers & dogs quite well, despite smoke blowing in my eyes and the top of the grill falling down on it's own! I must come clean though, I did lose a burger on a flip -- something I haven't done in years. Alan laughed and Noah called me a loser. I told him that burger was his and to reach in and get it. My wife said I grill like her father, "He has casualties every time!" she says. I've seen him grill, he's not nearly that bad. 

While we were grilling, the grandkids disappeared. It didn't take long to find them though. They were down at the pond cleaning the paddle boat that's sat unused all season long. We told them they could take the boat out, but only after eating. 5 minutes later, Emma, Haven, Sydney and Emily were out paddling toward the ducks, laughing loudly. Sydney was nervous and quickly got off the boat, admitting "they were saying they were going to float into fountain and I didn't want to get wet." 

After downing a cheeseburger with Miracle Whip (Alan had to run to the store to get some) Mom insisted we play Trivial Pursuit. We agreed, but we insisted on the new one, not the original (which Mom knew all the answers). There are 15 people gathered around the dining room table right now hooting and hollering over each question. 5 teams are competing for the crown. It's like an A.D.D. festival. 

Teams:

Mom and Aaron (off to an early lead)

Eric and Tedd (long shot)

Jen and I (best looking team)

Andi and Dad (dark horse)

Noah and Alan (team angst)

Emily and Julie (if this were name that tune, we'd all be in trouble)

I asked Dad if he needed help cleaning out the fridge. It looks crowded. "No, it's all fresh,"Dad says. "It's mostly soups and fresh fruit. I know what everything is." he says between turns. 

Mom's liking all the activity. She had a good nap this afternoon and is full of energy. 

Check back in a couple minutes for the outcome of the game. 

A butterfly net and a beautiful day

Jen's over at the house with her daughter Haven. The grandaughters are running around outside enjoying the cool temperatures. Mom did the same, sitting outside for 30 minutes this morning in the sun while Dad watered their potted strawberries. "They're looking good," Dad proclaimed proudly. "Pretty soon, Mom can have some fresh, juicy strawberries in her oatmeal." Mom smiles at that declaration. She's proud of the time she spent outside. She even played the piano for 20 mintues. Her left hand was a struggle but her right did well. "I have to work on the left hand," she says, rubbing it gently with her right hand. 

Sydney just came into the house asking for bread to feed the ducks. "A bun will work, grandpa," she instructs. "We'll use small pieces." 

Mom and Jen are done with the shower. Jen's going to do mom's hair now. Sydney just ran by the house in a full sprint with a butterfly net, smiling from ear to ear. I wonder whether I should be outside supervising. Dad's watching over them from the top deck. He seems to be enjoying helping them measure their fun without getting into trouble doing something they shouldn't. 

Mom's talking with Jen about a new hair brush that doesn't pull her hair. Jen has all the fancy hair hardware like flat irons. She and Mom have good conversations during the bathing process. Dad and I are glad Jen and Julie are able to handle that component. We also have aides that can come during the week when we're working.