Fun for all ages

We thought a Disney/Pixar movie night might be fun and invited Cousin Levi and the Grands over to screen the 2006 classic “Cars”.  This is a movie that continues to elude us. I received a copy for Christmas a few years ago, but loaned it out before we ever watched it. That DVD was never returned. Last summer I picked up another copy at a yard sale and was disappointed to later find it damaged. For this viewing, we borrowed our next door neighbor’s copy, and in spite of the fact that it also had damaged places, we were able to enjoy most of the movie to the end. One mark of an excellent film is its capacity to speak to and entertain multiple generations, and everyone truly enjoyed this flick. When the sequel comes out this summer, we will likely plan a family trip to the theater.

Wreck Room

Granny and Pa moved to their current home the week I graduated from high school in May 1981. While I initially chose a bedroom upstairs, in time I moved to the basement for added privacy. At that time this large space was used primarily for storage even though it was finished with terrazzo flooring, a drop ceiling and a fireplace. Back then I never imagined seeing my parents down there enjoying the space with me, my wife, sons and nephew, but that is exactly what happened last night. While Sandy was making some modifications to Pa’s computer, the boys ran, rode and climbed all over the place.

Pa’s Ball Team

We had already planned to visit the CLC this Saturday morning with the intent of venting some of the boy’s pent up winter energy, and when we learned that Cousin Levi was in town visiting the Grands, we invited them along. All the boys are just on the verge of beginning basketball. They are still a little too short to begin dribbling and a little too weak to be able to shoot the ball very high, but they are big and strong enough to be able to pass and catch. Once Levi successfully tossed and caught a bounce pass, Benji wanted to try. As always, Trey Davey was a little hesitant to try, but once he watched the others, he was ready to go. I predict by next season Pa will have his boys running a three man weaving drill.

Ladder of Success

While Trey Davey may be more extroverted socially than his brother, the opposite is true when it comes to new physical tasks. In that area Davey is very cautious. His movements are measured. He looks before he leaps and makes prudent decisions. He may also lack confidence, fear failure or physical harm. Whatever the reason, he clearly displays more reserve than Benji who may be the antithesis of all those qualities. Typically, Davey needs encouragement with new things. This can best be seen on the playground where he is hesitant and predisposed to quit if something doesn’t come easily.  So we were so proud of him when we mastered this unusual ladder. He was scared of it at first, but after we showed him the technique and helped him practice it several times, he was able to climb it all by himself to his great delight.

Happy Birthday Cousin Tyler

Our Cousin Tyler turned 14 years old today, and given the fact that he is a very handsome and talented young man, we believe he will soon become the next teen idol sensation. Since the mid-sixties, adolescent girls have read all the gossip about their favorite teenage heart throbs in magazines such as 16 and Tiger Beat. When Mommy was a girl, Tiger Beat magazine featured California boys like Bobby Sherman, Donny Osmond, Leif Garrett and Shawn Cassidy.  Today’s young hunks include Taylor Lautner, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers. We believe our Cousin Tyler’s fame will outshine even Justin Bieber’s, and a certain fan magazine’s wanting to jump on his bandwagon will change its name to Tyler Beat.

Cold Crash

Benji had been suffering from a runny nose for more than a week. His coughing had become more regular and began to resonate with a low guttural growl. He would wake up irritable, cuddle while watching TV for a long period, and then suddenly recover with a burst of high energy happiness. After a short period though, his batteries would quickly weaken and his irritability would return. We worried when his appetite diminished and a fever appeared from time to time. We knew he was really sick yesterday when he fell asleep on the couch at 10:30 am and slept until Davey got up from his afternoon nap at 4:00 pm. Sleep must have been just what Benji needed as he has been feeling more spirited ever since.

Choo Choo Mexicana

The Grands love Mexican food as much as we do, so we decided to treat them to one of our favorite Mexican food destinations. This Rockport, Indiana caboose has provided dining space for a variety of restaurants establishments over the years, and most recently it has been Los Panchos. We have probably visited there only 5 or 6 times over the last year, but we must have made an impression. The employees always greet us warmly and immediately seat us in the caboose section without prompting. I think they enjoy how excited the caboose’s décor makes our little boys. Except for seating, this train car is very authentic and is adorned by caboose photos from a variety of different railroads. The waiters always comment on the boys’ ever present toy trains too. The Grands enjoyed our Mexican dining railcar field trip and look forward to our next visit.