Santa Bob Comes for a Visit

The boys (and I) eagerly awaited Grandpa Bob's (my dad) arrival yesterday.  Lance had himself posed in a chair by the window and Jared kept coming in to ask when he was going to come; they were very, very excited.  I was in the kitchen when the house exploded with "HE'S HERE!".  They were out the door before he even got in the drive way.

The boys had come up with this zany idea that we adults should unload the presents and put them under the tree while they waited in the bonus room, then they could come down and be "surprised" with the gifts.  I have no idea where they got the idea but we decided to play along and Chris added his own flare.  He yelled up the stairs - "Grandpa Bob is sorry he forgot to bring the presents, he'll have to bring them another time."  The only response he got was a quizzical "Really?". 

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sherry clearly spoiled them but that's what grandparents are for, right?

I was pleased at the sincere interest the boys took in each of their new gifts.  The girl was so enamored with the first present she opened, that she would have nothing to do with opening the other presents for over an hour.  It makes me proud that they were so appreciative.

Lance spent a great deal of time organizing all his fishing paraphernalia in his new tackle box.  All the boys are really excited about being able to fish together.

Titus went wild with his new RC car outside.  He also managed to loose his second front tooth.  Now he can officially say "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth".

We initially told Jared he needed to wait until tomorrow after his school work was finished to put his new Lego set together. A bit later, we found him in the school room getting his work done ahead of time. At this point, Chris sent them upstairs to assemble the new set.  They even tried out their new sleds on the leaves. 

Chris and I enjoyed talking with my dad about all manner of things past and present.  The boys enjoyed listening in too.  I few times Lance popped up with a "please keep telling the story" if an old tale was cut short.  These are the special times they'll remember when they are older.

Throughout the day, the boys challenged Grandpa to three different games; Blockus, Ticket to Ride and the finally traditional Grandpa vs. Jared chess match.  Grandpa made sure to jovially remind the boys that he won all three games.

We also continued our tradition of French Toast meal for dinner.  It's one of the few meals that EVERY member of our family really enjoys.  Chris was kind enough to be the chef this year and let Grandpa off the hook.

In the evening, the boys put on a beautiful piano concert, complete with singing by all.  Jared had worked on a special piece by request and it was great to see him play "The Yellow Rose of Texas" while Grandpa sat with him on the bench singing along.  

(You may have to click "You Tube" not the picture to see the video)

It was an absolutely wonderful evening that everyone was reluctant to let it come to an end.  But end it must and with sad hearts we said our goodbyes and yet look forward till the next time when we get together again.

PS.  The next morning found the kids up early busy playing together again.