I Survived

The weekend before last I traveled to Osceola, IN to watch the grandkids so my daughter and her husband could go on a much delayed wedding honeymoon. Their family is a his, hers and ours type family. Todd has a son from a previous marriage who is in college, my daughter has three children from her previous marriage and Todd and Sommer have a daughter together.

So I was asked a few months ago if I could take some vacation time from work and stay with the kids...the four younger ones. Of course, Mason(Todd's son) being in college was not there. Anyway, I went over on Saturday, Oct 5th so I could get my instructions. Mom and Dad left on Sunday morning and I got to spend some time with the youngest granddaughter since the other three from the previous marriage were with their father that weekend. The ages of the four grandkids I had responsibility for range from 16 to 7. So with the other kids gone until Sunday night, Ryleigh and I got to spend the day together. Ryleigh is very good at playing with her dolls and playhouse so for a while I didn't have much to  do. We did decide to go to the mall so Ryleigh could get a couple of books and we could get something to eat.

We ended up going to the University Mall in Mishawaka and found the Barnes and Noble. Ryleigh decided on two books from the Magic Tree house series. I think she said there were over 80 different books in the series. So there were plenty to choose from. After we got the book we headed to the pretzel kiosk and had a couple of big pretzels and some cheese dip. Yes...grandpa feeds his grandkids well.(Haha) We walked around the mall for a little while and then we headed home.

We hung around the house took their dog, Cammie, for a walk and waited for the other kids to come home. The kids came home around 8 pm and we talked and got ready for bed since the next day was a school day. The kids all go to school at different times and catch different buses so I got up at 6 am to get Jasmyne, the 16 year old, up then at 6:30 am I got Brooklyne, the 12 year old, up. They both took their showers and then it was time to get Ryleigh, 7 years old and Caden, 11 years old, since they took their showers the night before. Once all were up and around I got the cereal out and set out the backpacks. Then one by one they got ready to get on the bus. Once they were all out the door I was able to clean up the kitchen and get my shower and straighten up the house. This was our routine the next two days.

On Monday night Jasmyne's friend, Maddie, came over and I ordered pizza. The kids love me, of course. We had our pizza and then it was time to work on HOMEWORK. Boy I haven't done that in a long, long time. However addition and subtraction is something I can do. After that back to our routine of showers, reading before bed and goodnight kisses and hugs.

Tuesday evening the 3 older kids were with their father again until 8 pm. Ryleigh and I did homework and read together then watched some TV. Once the kids were all back home were did our routine. Wednesday morning was a bit sad since after the kids headed to school I would be going home. Todd and Sommer had made arrangements for his Mom to come and watch the kids the rest of the week until they got home on Saturday. We said our goodbyes and after straightening up the house I headed home. The great thing about my time with the grandkids was that Ryleigh and I did some extra bonding due to the older kids spending some time way with their father.

As a side note I did go to the RV dealer on Monday to look at the Heartland 3585rl that I mentioned in my last post. I really liked the new amenities and features. So we are planning on ordering shortly after the new year begins. The plan is to take delivery in March - April so we can sell the house and move in to the rig and live in it over the summer. That way we should be able to save a little more and work out any issues that might arise before we hit the road next fall. So I survived and actually it was a great experience. I know it is something that I will always remember and I hope the grandkids will have good memories of our time together. This weekend it's the youngest grandson's turn.

We will going up to Streamwood, IL on Saturday and spend the night with our older daughter, Heather and Aiden, while her husband, Paul, is away on business. I know we will have a good time and looking forward to seeing the changes and new skills that Aiden has developed since we were there last. The last time we visited Aiden was only 4 months old and he is now 7 months old. We have to cherish every moment because time flies so fast. Still working to retirement and it won't be long. Check out my Countdown Clock. Thanks