oOctober 20, 2008, Canyon Lake, Tx. The Weekend.

Starting Friday morning, we spent the whole weekend with Suzanne and David and the girls. Starting with Grandparent's Day at their school until Sunday afternoon when they went to their Drama class we tagged along for their various and sundry activities. The whole weekend was a success for the girls and for us, but of course for different reasons. Friday morning on the way to the school, Suzanne called to tell us that Sarah was requesting to be the first in the line of the grandparent's visits. Typically, we start at the youngest and proceed to the oldest, which meant that we are always to Sarah late, and always with the twins in tow. She quite correctly requested we visit first to her class, as this was her last year at the school and she would prefer we gave her full attention. Their class had prepared a series of questions to ask their grandparents and she was fearful that she would not be able to complete the task. For Sarah, not completing the task is unacceptable. In addition, she has lived with the twins, who without doing anything at all are an act all themselves, and she wanted our undivided attention on her. Of course we complied, except Ken stayed with Sarah while I visited the other girls. We were introduced to their teachers then showed around their classroom, with special emphasis on Samantha's desk, which was all neat and tidy. Chapel followed, with each class singing a song or two, and the chimes played before the short chapel. Sarah is in the chimes group, and as I knew she played C and G I could hear that she did her part well. The fifth graders only get to play these chimes, and it is a high honor in the school to be in the chimers. Then we were off for lunch, to a deli we could walk to, followed to home for an afternoon of play.

Now this afternoon was a wonderful afternoon, as the girls played outside the whole time. When we got home and changed, I announced that I was going outside, as the weather was beautiful, so all four girls came outside with me. Sarah and Abigail played for the next four hours on their tree house, playing an imaginary game made up as they went along. For an hour or so, Samantha and Allison put on a very active display of gymnastics, while I sat on the ground and watched and cheered. Next they made up a tea party up on the deck, while I was the only guest. They have a little kitchen up on the deck, so the organization and preparation was extensive. All afternoon I observed four girls getting along and using their brains having a wonderful time. The day ended with dinner at the Melting Pot to celebrate Sarah's 11Th birthday. We all overate. Allison stated many times that she was eating so much to get herself ready to hibernate!!

Saturday morning was a lazy time of reading, TV and outdoor play, followed by the soccer game for all. then more play at home, this time swimming and playing by the pool. Saturday evening David and Suzanne went with friends to The Cattleman's Ball, a charity event down town. The six friends hired a car, so no one was required to drive. Ken and I needed shoes, so we headed out to shop at the Quarry and then dinner, in time to relieve the babysitter at nine. Sarah was just going to bed when we arrived, while all three other children were asleep. Sunday morning was the school day at that church, followed by the school barbecue picnic, so of course all eight of us went to Church to hear the children's singing and listened to the chimes twice, once when they practiced and once during the service. Being early gives it's own rewards. Home after the picnic and the pumpkin patch to watch a bit of football, before all four girls were taken by Suzanne to their drama rehearsal.

Ken and I loved the weekend with the family and the children seemed to like us along too. They all love their activities and as an adult looking on, they are getting more and more accomplished with each year. It is always interesting to observe children grow up, certainly less anxiety promoting as being a parent, and we appreciate Suzanne and David allowing us to come and tag along with the children's activities. One very good thing is that both David and Suzanne have a large supply of energy, because they both need every ounce.