Big Papa and Big Prayers

Big Papa left us on Monday after entertaining us for five days.  I say that because my dad is always cracking jokes and making us laugh.  He has grandparenting down... not afraid to act silly, play with dolls (and dragons),  and there is no shortage of joking and tickling when he's around.  Well, and he likes to eat and my kids apparently inherited that from me, which came from him. :) We shopped at the Farmer's Market and ate at a few good restaurants when we were too busy to cook.  Dad helped me run my usual errands and broke his back carrying Hannah around everywhere we went because God forbid she walk or ride in the cart!

Blaine had some serious struggles at his school on Friday which made it a tough day for us all.  It is not easy being parents of a child with special needs, and it's not any easier being a grandparent of one. You want everything to be fun and games when visitors are here but that's just not how it works, so it was good to be able to have some family around through the trial.  Friday ended up being sort of a damage-control day.  We tended to the needs of the kids and I tried my darndest to maintain some semblance of normal for everyone.  On a related note, Blaine's halfway done with his evaluations at the STAR Center.  In a way we're putting all of our eggs in this basket but we're hopeful that this is the right basket.  I also had two of the people who work at Blaine's preschool come for a home visit today.  I appreciate their initiative and the level of support they are providing already. Blaine's in-home therapist, Ali, with Oliver Behavioral Consultants is a God-send.  I don't think I have ever worked with a professional that has offered more care, support, or encouragement.  Blaine trusts her and cares about her a lot, so we're blessed she is on our side for multiple reasons.

After the chaos of the week was over we managed to squeeze in a ton of activity and fun before Papa had to leave.  Saturday was spent in Boulder and around our neighborhood and then on Sunday we ventured out to Estes Park for some real mountain fun.

HG being real "lady like" at Home Depot.

Goin' Fishin.

Papa casting with Blaine.  He actually caught 3 little bass this night.

Hannah testing out D's fly rod.

On Saturday we spent the day in Boulder.  Blaine, errr, Spider Man
was spotted walking in the park.  We caught him and brought him home.

Boulder Creek - David, Hannah and Blaine are down there.

 

We found a car show.  Papa even found
something he wanted to drive home.

 

Playing at David's work.

Boulder creek

Dominoes... sort of.

Estes Park

Boo Boo in Estes Park

Moose Boo Boo

Beaver Boo Boo

 

The Big Thompson River in Estes Park. 
Chilly water...

 

Building the "Stone Family"

Mimicking Papa's stone work

After Papa left Hannah decided that sleeping in her bed
is no longer cool.  She has spent the last two nights on the
floor in the hallway.



Our next visitors will come in a couple weeks.  We're so thrilled that the Pembertons will be here so soon and we will get to share our new home with them.  I wonder if their ears were ringing tonight because two of them were in Hannah's prayers.  It was so sweet I had to write it here.

J: Dear Jesus...
HG: No Mama, I do it.
(eyes closed)
HG: Dear Jesus,  love you very much.  Love you very much.  Love you very much.  (Opens eyes) Mama, say love you very much.
J: Love you very much.
HG: (Closes eyes.) Thank you for....
(long pause)
HG: Ummm, thank you for... PLAYING!
J: That's good.  Jesus, thank you for all the fun playing we did today.  And thank you for...
HG: No, Mama, I do it.  Thank you for Papa and Siri and Elliot and Baine.
J: Thank you for our family.  That's a good prayer, Hannah.
HG: One more Mama.  Wait.  One more.
(looooong pause.)
HG: Thank you for... TALL!
J: Oh, you want to be tall?  Good.
HG:  Yes (smiling) - thank you for tall.  AMEN, Jesus!

Oh man... I love my sweet kids.