After we got back to the house, it was nap time for several of us. Daniel zonked out on the couch, and I fell asleep in Brian's office chair. I finally woke myself up with a thunderous snort. When Daniel awoke, we spent time some more time together. I've read a lot of books the last two days. We watched a 22-minute highlight reel of Daffy Duck on YouTube together. Then Daniel was hungry. He knows how to say, "cup" and "toast" very plainly.
Finally, it was time to leave. After hugs all round, as I was going out the door, Daniel called out, "See ya!" They're thinking of visiting Indiana over Independence Day, so I'm thinking an overnight at Wilderstead would be in order, with a fire and sparklers and fireflies and all.
Brian and Anna are very good parents. Better than we were, I think; I mostly remember being overwhelmed with the demands of children along with everything else coming at me back then. There are a lot of demands on them, too; when I come to visit Anna's family, I know my role. I'm there to help, and to pay attention to the boys, especially Daniel. He's a good kid and he doesn't seem to resent being ousted from being the main object of Mommy's attention, but still, you know that's a big adjustment. So, here comes Grandbear -- and, sure, I held James now and then, but the boy with the need for attention was Daniel, so Daniel got two full days of me. Later on, I'll have to be more even-handed in my attention, but right now, older grandcub gets first dibs. By the time James is old enough to want that kind of attention, Daniel will be able to pursue a lot of things on his own, and our relationship will shift again.
But hey -- what am I thinking? What you want to see is pictures!
Prime lap real estate is hard to come by
Percivale joins James on Daddy's lap
Gator Boy
Daniel auditioning for Swamp People
A Helping Hand
Growing up is about trying new things
All boys like to play in the water
Brian and Daniel playing in the water table
I couldn't possibly comment
James being sphinxlike
Family Portrait
Brian,Daniel, James, Anna