I cannot say it enough, Grandchildren are the golden reward for being a parent. I had a three day weekend break from work. Friday I picked Nolan up from daycare by myself. He was a little stunned to see his Pappy when he walked out of the school. The ride home was non-stop talk about everything. Gin had lunch just about out of the oven when we arrived home. I sat on the couch with Dean laying next to me. Nolan brought my plate of fish sticks and tater tots. Then he set his plate on the chest in front of the couch and ate his lunch. He went back to the kitchen and retrieved a fork for me. Then he went back for a butter knife for himself. The knife wasn't needed but he knew what to do with it anyway. 

Gin told me about the battery operated toy drill of Nolan's and how the batteries needed to be changed. She was in the living room and heard Nolan digging through the tool drawer. He picked out the Phillips head screw driver and and removed the battery compartment screws by the time she could check on him. He's two years old! He understands how a tool is used! He understands how batteries need to be replaced when the object they power don't work properly. He's two years old!

Dean has gained almost six pounds since his birth two months ago. He's an eater and very vocal about what he wants. He is also very active when he is awake. As you see above, he has a great little smile. I'm not rushing things, but I can't wait for the days when these tow boys are running around together playing and carrying on.

Saturday Gin and I stopped by our friend, Christy's house to drop off a donation for a friend of hers. Christy is helping the Grandmother of a preemie girl who is in need of items to care for the baby. We managed to drop in on her garage sale and spend a little time catching up with her, Lynette and Carl. 

Christy and I met during the 2008 March for Babies campaign in Greenville. We were Family Ambassadors for that year and shared our stories with countless volunteers. Since then, our families have kept in touch and provided moral support for each other whenever needed. 

After the visit with Christy, a quick lunch and some shopping, Gin and I were back home for our DVR reduction plan. aka watching a lot of recorded shows. I took a break from the TV around 7:30 to cut the grass that was at least knee high in some places. Two weeks away can take its toll on lawn care. The lights on the John Deere helped get the job done into the night.

Today was once again a day of rest. Sure we had a few little chores, but nothing too difficult. The biggest chore is deleting thousands of duplicate tunes in the iTunes folder.

Most of you have a holiday coming up. Please be careful in your travels and adventures. Take your time and enjoy the people you spend the time with.

P@