The Fun of Laughing Together

Today was as therapeutic as it gets for young grandparents like us! We spent it with Joel and Debbie Penfold. When our girls were young, they often commented that Joel's jokes and Larry's jokes were both corny to about the same degree. Corny or not, we had a great day laughing at together.

Debbie fixed a green salad and deviled eggs, and I cut up strawberries, blueberries and bananas, picked up potato salad, KFC chicken strips and biscuits (yes!) and we had a feast. Down to a picnic table along the river, on an old plastic table cloth, with plastic forks, good food, and even better friends.

We'd planned to go to Leavenworth for minature golf afterwards, the course owned by the Enzian that is below the hill where the goats graze. Oh, it was beautiful, green, warm but not sweltering. We laughed about our 6 putt holes, and the the hole in 2, going over the hill, or taking 4 putts to go 4 feet. One time we were laughing and Joel said, "Quit laughing! This is serious business!" I can SO hear Ian saying that! Joel had some bad shots and said it was because of his glasses, then good shots so we yelled, "Keep the glasses!"

The laughs were good for us all, especially for Birthday BOY, Larry! And Fathers' Day, as well. A great time to reminisce, make new (bad) jokes, and just enjoy the beautiful weather.

We talked about grandkids, sharing stories and the joy of today just thinking of them -- not having to push strollers or keep an eye on them (smile!). We talked about how sons-in-law would take the golf much more seriously than we did. We asked the attendant at the gate to take our picture, and Joel even had her doubled over laughing. Laughter -- definitely the best medicine!

Now I'm drained -- and Larry is working on the kitchen again..... Bless his heart! He has connected the kitchen and dining rooms. He'll probably finish the kitchen tonight and hallway tomorrow. By Tuesday evening maybe I can have my lighting fixtures in place!

I feel like crashing. I have to go back over and edit spelling of every other line, so I think it's time.....

Weekend Treasures

A weekend with family. You appreciate it so much when you have it so seldom.
Grandkids bring the most laughs, but daughters and sons-in-law give good hugs as well!

We had lunch with each couple, fell asleep watching TV, enjoyed visiting the newest family to the Northwest -- Larry's brother Tim, and then chased the (little) boys. It was Ian and Luke at the park, Ian and Luke in the backyard, Ian and Luke at donuts. Here are pics of a previous Sat morning donuts.

You can see this is serious business with the boys -- and for Emily it was donut #2. Emily wasn't present in Nampa, but can chow down with the best!

One of the highlights of a visit is seeing the new depths of their thinking -- and talking. Following are a few of MY "Favorite Grandkids' Sayings":

1. Little brother to BIG brother: "Ian, you go timeout!"

2. Ian: "Leave me alone!" Lukey: "But I luz you!"

3. Grandma: "Shall we make a river here in the sandbox?" Ian: "OUR Mom says NO WATER in sandbox!"

4. Lukey, in bedroom for diaper or shorts, he pulls out rocking horse to show Grandma. We play a minute, and Grandma says, "OK, let's go." Lukey: "...pu' back", and he puts it back into place.

5. Ian, delivering loud howl, to which everyone turns with fear! "What's wrong, Ian?" Ian: "My twain fell off the twak!"

6. Ian: "O, look, Lukey, a bug...(watching back and forth movement for 3-4 minutes)...see, he's coming for my foot." (still interested) (SMASH!) "He's gone." (end of story!)

7. Ian: "Papa, your hair is too long. You need a haircut."

8. Ian building in sandbox, Grandma sitting, leaning on one hand, building w/other. "No, Grandma, two hands!"

9. In car, both boys singing "Wheels on the Bus" w/ Grandma. Grandma honks horn w/ 2 hands. Ian: "NO, one hand to honk."

10.Ian and Dad up ahead. Lukey: "I cumin', Dad. I cumin', Ian." (translated, "PLEASE wait for me!)