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. 

Jen and Haven spent time with Mom

Yo yo yo! This is Jen. I am updating this morning becuz well I feel like it. Haven is playing hookie from the gym today and we are playing games with mom. We went and bought Trivial Pursuit, Skipbo and a new and improved electronic Guess Who. I used to play Guess Who with mom when I was little. This new one has lots of diff cards to choose from. U can b monsters, kitchen appliances, or animals. I am going to be a keg tap... If they have that one available.

Trivial Pursuit is moms fav. I decided she needed a new version though becuz I knew absolutely none of the old answers. Hope there are some Miley Cirus and Days of Our Lives questions. I am an expert at those subjects.

Haven misses Mom and Dad desperately. She sent me a text msg last nite saying she missed Dad singing to her. She misses Mom coming to watch her at the gym and misses her coming to take care of her when she is sick. She cried a lot and said she can't sleep at nite becuz she is scared something will happen to Grandma in the night.

I seem to forget to sit and talk to the kids about Mom. I am so busy worrying about taking care of her and dealing with my own feelings I have forgotten that they are struggling as well. I hope their day together will help.

Ok. That is it. Back to Rick and his more interesting writing. Oh and btw bro u spell it PINOCHLE.
-Jen