SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009
Precious Memories

How does a grandparent choose just ONE photo to commemorate a week's worth of memories? How do I write all that Grandpa and I shared with these two very special young lads? I can rattle off all the activity (and I will), all the special moments, the laughter, the hugs; and yet I'm not sure I can convey just how precious the time was we spent together during their annual visit to our house. Ryan and Kyle come each year from Southern California all the way to N.E. Indiana; and this is the highlight of our summer!

Ok, now for the activities! We spent more time at the lake this visit than we have in the past, and I wish you could have seen Grandpa's face when Kyle asked when they could go fishing . . . and fishing they did . . . and actually made quite a few catches. Ryan experienced the annual "torpedo" walk with Nana and Rudy laughing as always at Rudy's antics as he (Rudy) played "crazy dog!" Ryan and Kyle alike enjoyed jet skiing with Nana, roasting marshmallows and eating Smores beside an open fire pit, playing Ladder Ball just outside the camper, and their first (and quite successful) attempt at tubing . . . Grandpa at the helm and Nana, the "observer," smiling ear to ear as I watched them quickly get the hang of holding on AND experience the thrill of falling off the tube! It was an amazing sight!

Whether going to or coming from the lake there's always a trip to "Scoops" Ice Cream near Pokagon State Park. Their favorite flavors may change from year to year but never their cheers as we pull into the lot! This year we took the boys to Clay's Restaurant on Lake George, and they tasted their first tenderloin. Ryan ordered chicken fingers which he declared to be the best he'd ever had, and Kyle (bottomless pit at this age) order a hot dog. Since they merely tasted our tenderloin sandwiches, they both agreed they would order one for themselves next time.

The following day brought a new activity -- walking downtown Auburn looking at various Artist benches on display here and there. We paid a visit to Eckhart Library and Ryan checked out a really thick book to read! We took them to a new pizza joint downtown where Ryan sat and read his book on a couch he thought was cool, and Kyle played an arcade game while we waited for our pizza. They are now both fans of Pizza Forum on the Court House Square, and after we ate we went inside the Court House to view the ornately painted dome ceiling.

Our annual visit to Science Central in Fort Wayne, a brief stop at Border's for a new book and Target for some collector cards, was followed by a stop by Dairy Queen before playing at the Leo Park . . . also an annual affair. Later, as I attempted to rise from my reclining position on one of the park benches where I was resting, Kyle ran up to join me. I asked him if he would "help the old lady get up," to which he replied, "I don't see any old lady." I love it!

So many precious memories, and more to come next summer when they travel once again to visit Nana & Grandpa & Rudy!