Day 227 - Decadent dessert

The boys asked to go to Carrabba's while they were here and since they'll be leaving soon, tonight was the night. They each ordered the Pasta Carrabba (an alfredo-type dish with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas) but forgot to request that they leave out the latter two items. It was amusing to watch them each pick out every single piece of mushroom and every single pea!!

They had no problem, however, sharing and digging into a huge piece of chocolate something with brownies, mousse, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

We had fun. :)

Day 223 - 13 year-old curiosity

As I've posted before, grandson Michael is enthralled with puzzles of all kinds. Not content to just work the puzzle, he wanted to know what makes it do what it does. Soooo, he took the whole thing apart, found out what makes it tick, and of course, put it all back together again! That's my boy! ;)

Day 217 - Out for a ride

Another beautiful day in our corner of Maryland so we took the boys to Heritage Farm Park to expend a little energy. All went well until Michael took a slight spill and Christopher, being ahead, didn't see so kept on going. Michael was not amused. He suffered a small scrape, and a large bruised psyche. The former was repaired with some grandfatherly planning in the form of a First Aid Kit in the van, while the latter was repaired with some grandmotherly hugs, kisses, and gentle words. ;)

Starting off this week's theme of water, here's one of the three water towers that supplies the precious liquid to our town... when it's not being contaminated by a manure lagoon, that is!

boubou and her daughter were right on the money with their guess of the phone, just at the other end - hearing instead of speaker. ;)

Day 209 - Out and about

Packing boys, bikes and beverages into the van, we went on an outing to Carroll Creek Park and the extraordinary Community Bridge. Then we moseyed on over to Baker Park where the boys could ride and check out the bird population.

Carroll Creek Park, looking toward the Community Bridge

Michael getting ready for a ride around the lake -
Christopher was already on his way.

Strolling amidst the people-friendly ducks and geese.

We spotted this newcomer, some type of sandpiper, we think,
who definitely stood out from the other birds.

It turned out to be a most pleasant day!

Day 208 - Chilling

Summer vacation means staying up late and catching up on good TV shows missed during the school year. Christopher chooses a comfy chair to do some of that catching up.

Day 207 - Whiz kid

Michael has always been very good at solving puzzles... trick, mechanical, assembly, etc... so the Rubik's cube was right up his alley. After figuring out the regular 3x3 version, the 4x4 was only slightly more challenging. The kid is is a master puzzler!

Day 206 - Strike one!

As into sports as they get, the boys enjoy a little brotherly competition playing baseball on the Wii.

Day 205 - Roll the dice

A rainy day kept us inside with Yahtzee, and after baths, a repeat viewing of "Beetlejuice" is on the agenda.

Day 204 - Collect $200...

As we work our way through the games, tonight was Monopoly's turn. For a change, I won! :)

Day 203 - 'Tis a puzzlement

Exhibiting a bit of brotherly teamwork, the boys working on one corner of a 1000 piece mystery puzzle. A gift from my sister when she came down earlier this year (thanks again, Lonnie!) it included a short story, along with a mystery to solve from the clues in the finished puzzle. The solution to the crime was somewhat convoluted, and not one we would have reached on our own, but it was challenging and we all had fun with it. Lew has the finished product on his blog.

Day 202 - UNO

The grands have always enjoyed playing cards and board games and UNO is usually the first thing to get pulled out when they come to visit. Even though we have a newer one, this well-loved, dog-eared, old classic deck is the one we always turn to.

Day 201 - Rite of Passage

Our grandson Christopher, with a patch of curly growth under his chin, is ready for that rite of passage of all teenage boys... his first shave. So, at his request, his poppaw (aka Lew) bought a pack of disposables and will be helping him with the process. My little guy is growing up so fast - despite my protestations, the kid just will not stop getting older!! *sigh*

Day 200 - Family restaurant

The Long John Silver's restaurant in Pulaski, VA (a little outside of Roanoke) has long been our meeting place to pick up the grandkids when they come for a visit without the parents. Located at about the half-way point between MD and SC, meeting there saves either of us from having to make the complete (long!) round trip.

Surprisingly, after about 15 years of doing this, the restaurant is still there, the furniture is still the same, and "our" booth is always empty and waiting. I keep thinking that one of these days we're all going to show up and the place will be closed and boarded up!

Day 120 - Time waits for no one...

Not so terribly long ago, we sat on the floor playing with these brightly colored cars. Now he's going to be driving one. My #1 grandson called last night, all excited with his news ... he got his learner's permit yesterday. *sniff*

Day #216 - Father and child reunion...

Our half-way, drop-off point is just outside of Roanoke, VA in a Long John Silver's restaurant. We've made this trip some dozens of times over the years and "our" booth/seats are always there waiting for us!! I think we've only sat somewhere else maybe twice. Anyway, everyone was happy to see each other... it was good to see a little sibling love going on!... and the boys are back home in SC.

Day #215 - Bags are packed...

... they're ready to go. Well, not really, but go they must. Driving to our traditional half-way point in the morning where we'll meet up with Jim and he'll take the boys on home. *sigh*

Day #214 - Games people play...

Just some of the games that we've played almost every day since the boys have been here... Sorry, Chinese Checkers, Trouble, Yahtzee. They'll be going home on Saturday... I'm not sure what I'll do with myself and all my "free" time!! ;)

Day #206 - Going without...

While the family room is being worked on, the boys have been reduced to watching plain ol' dusty cable TV on their bedroom set, sans HBO or the recorded program feature. Life is soooo difficult!! *sigh* ;)

Day #205 - He worked hard for the money...

Christopher made a deal with Lew to wash the van for some spending cash. Today was the day for the job and he did it well and impressively.
Of his own volition, he even took a toothbrush to the wheel rims ! What a kid!

Day #200 through Day #203 - A NY/NJ Weekend

Day #200 - Getting ready

suitcases pulled out, dust and all, before packing...

~ ~ ~

Day #201 - Into New York City

The boys had never been to NY, so we surprised them with a quick trip into the city after we arrived in NJ Friday evening for a quick look-see. Unknown to them, we would be going back the next day for some real sightseeing that would include ...

~ ~ ~

Day #202 - Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island as seen from the ferry on the way to Liberty Island.

The Lady herself. Not only was it a first for the boys, but for Lew and I too. I'd only seen her from afar aboard a ferry crossing the river before this trip.

Taking pictures

Viewing the Manhattan skyline from Liberty Island

Christopher and Michael with NYC behind them

New York City from Liberty Island

Brooklyn Bridge from Liberty Island

The original flame held aloft by the Lady before renovations in 1984 replaced it with the gilded one she now holds
A replica of the Lady's face in the museum, it was made using the same process as used on the statue. I don't know the kid picking her nose!! :D

The Statue of Liberty in all her glory...

...truly an awesome and impressive sight

After spending most of the day on Liberty Island, we went back into the city for a closer look at

The Empire State Building

The United Nations

and a lot of other buildings. All in all, it was a successful surprise and we had a great time. As you can see, the weather was spectacular too!

~ ~ ~

Day #203 - Winston's 1st Birthday

Adorable and yummy birthday cake

Appropriately enough, Winston's first ever taste of cake was his birthday cake - he liked it!