Session 6 - Camp Josh - Days 5 & 6

It's Day 5 and for some crazy reason this kid wants to walk down to the dollar store and go shopping.  Well heck, it's a cheap activity so why not?

After he finds what he wants (and this is no small feat -- it takes FOREVER), we make a quick pit stop at Gecko to say hi to George.

He is just the coolest chicken around and will talk to you if you cluck at him.

Session 6 - Camp Josh - Days 3 & 4

We have another day with Grandpa and he wants to go down to the aquarium with us this time.  It seems as though he misses the trips quite often and loves it there as much as the rest of us.  Let's get up and going.

Josh is chomping at the bit to see the stingrays and a preschool class has just arrived so we make a beeline out there hoping to beat the rush.

Session 6 - Camp Josh - Days 1 & 2

The switch has been made again and I now have Josh for a few days.  The sessions are counting down and there is only one more to go this summer.  NO -- slow time down.  I don't want this to end just yet.

Okay, okay.  Focus on this week and let the rest wait.  So, every time I drive with these boys in the car, they go to sleep.  I'm starting to wonder if it's my driving or if they just don't get enough sleep in their daily lives.  Whichever it is, I wake him when we get to Weatherford as I want a DQ treat and am pretty sure he will too.  Now to get back on the road.  The day is quickly passing us by and we need to pick Grandpa up from work on time.

Bekah's Visit - Boston and Home - Days 4, 5, 6

The day starts bright and early as Bekah and I are being picked up by DART and heading towards the airport.  We have a 9:00 flight and arrive in Boston around noon to check into our room on the ship before the daily sailing departs.  Yep, that's right.  In case you didn't read the previous post, we are staying on a clipper ship in Boston Harbor.  Ya just NEVER know what I'm gonna come up with next.

One needs to stop and wonder if she is at all happy about this trip.  The pictures certainly don't depict it at all.  Then again, she has real issues with me taking pictures of her.  Her friends are fine, but either me or her grandfather just seems to be more than she can handle.  It's time to fly.

Bekah's Visit - Days 1, 2, & 3

We discovered last night that Bekah is not all that thrilled to have been brought here without notice.  Ugh.  She is exhausted from camp and wanting some quiet and solitude.  Therefore, I give it to her.  I even set her up in my room with my laptop table/speakers so that she can just veg and watch whatever she wants.  The smile says it all.  At some point in the day, I settle in on the bed for a chat and let her know my idea for this week.  I want to take her to Boston for a few days but want to know if she likes the idea.  She does so we set about getting tickets and looking for a place to stay.

Everything almost derails as it appears Boston is on an all-time hotel rate high for this week.  What the heck?  I start searching some more obscure websites and locate a clipper ship in the harbor that rents out the rooms at night, but you have to be off the ship all day.  After asking Bekah about it, we are good to go.  One room with bunk beds for $50 bucks a night.  Score.  That's pretty much the end of day one except for lots of good talks.  I truly love having her here and wish it was more often.

Day two is more of the same - she is still relaxin' and I'm letting her.  It even includes breakfast in bed.  Now, THAT is truly spoiled.   I have tickets for the drumline show tonight at the local high school.  Since she is a member of drumline, I thought she would enjoy watching these others in their showcase.  First though, we need to be all packed for tomorrow.

It's a warm summer evening, but the show is pretty dang good although crazy packed.  I had an extra ticket so I told Bekah if she sold it before the show, she could keep the money.  Off she went and soon had some extra dollars in her pocket.  Let the show begin.

Session 4 - Jacob's Turn - Days 5 & 6

After working on LEGOs again today (with Mister too) and by the end of the day, we are finished!  Yes!  What a good feeling that is.  As celebration, Jacob and I go to see Antman.  He has chosen the movie and I am indeed a reluctant guest with him, but guess what?  I LOVE IT!  It's a pretty cool movie and not at all what I expected.  Score one for Jacob converting Gammy.

Session 4 - Jacob's Turn - Days 3 & 4

We spend the morning working on the LEGO's.  I would like to get them kitted up out of the huge tub of mixture that we own.  Jacob has agreed to help me out.  After a full morning of tiny bricks and weird shapes, we call it done for the day.  Jacob would like to go down to Jumpstreet and we can do that.  It's just a quick call to the DART to pick us up and we are soon on our way.  He's really only interested in the dodgeball section today, which is fine as he is entertained for several hours, with a snack or two thrown in.  Me?  I sit and watch while working on the clues for my upcoming mystery.

Session 4 - Jacob's Turn - Days 1 & 2

I am off to deliver Jon and retrieve Jacob today and since I dropped Mister off at work and have an early start, I'll likely make it most of the way to Abilene before we meet up.  As I get to Eastland, I take a small detour and check out the courthouse.  Another picture for my collection.  Jon is not even aware of my stop.

Jen and I meet up just a bit further down the road and I am making the return trip with a TON of company.  Goodness these boys sleep a lot.

When we get to Fort Worth, I ask if he would like to check out the science museum and receive an answer in the affirmative.  Well okay then -- let's go.  The light room is first and I have to admit that I love this room.  I love the hands on activity and the ability to learn while playing.  Light has always fascinated me and today is not an exception.

Jon's Time -- Session 3 of Summer Camp Begins - Days 5 & 6

Saturday morning and Mister wants to see Minions.  I guess that means we are off to the first movie of the day.  This takes us to the mall where not a single store is even open yet.  Only the theater.  Yes, this is a little crazy, but we can make it happen.

Amanda is in town for a dental workshop and we have been shuttling her around in between events.  She had an early drop-off this morning and will be done around noon.  Jon is pestering her to go roller skating with him and she finally gave in and said yes.  A decision I am sure she will regret the minute those skates go on.

Jon's Time -- Session 3 of Summer Camp Begins - Days 3 & 4

After another sleepy morning, we are off to the skating rink just after lunch.  He can skate like crazy for 3 hours, when they close for the afternoon session.  It's only a few blocks from the house, so we just walk down.  I LOVE that he LOVES to skate.  When I sit and watch him, I am amazed at how smooth he is.  What a natural at this.

Jon's Time -- Session 3 of Summer Camp Begins - Days 1 & 2

After a summer camp break over Independence Day, we are starting up again.  It's a halfway meeting point today and since Mister is working from home, I have a car.  How fortunate that is.  Since it's an afternoon pickup, by the time I get back into Dallas with Jon, it is time for dinner.  We ask if he likes Thai and he really doesn't know.  Well now is as good a time to find out as any.  Our favorite spot is Thai Opal and as we settle in, my mouth is already looking forward to the wonderful flavors we are about to be treated to.  Jon orders an orange chicken and declares it "fantastic."  I think the next comment is, "Can we come again?"  That's about it for day one -- back to the house and just some relaxin'.  I'm tired from just driving.  How sad is that?

Happy Fourth of July