Caleb's ten trip

We take each of the grandkids on a weekend trip of their choosing (within reason) for their 10th birthday. The first went to the Cincinnati zoo; the second chose COSI in Columbus; and the third simply said, "Just somewhere in Ohio where we can stay in a hotel - and maybe play putt-putt." I don't know what it is about Ohio but I suppose after the first two it seemed like the place to go!  

So, this past weekend we took the youngest to Toledo from Friday evening until noon-ish Sunday. I had no idea it was such an easy trip now with the new 4-lane route 24 all the way. Traffic was light, it was right at 100 miles, and it only took 1 1/2 hours. 

We booked a room at the Courtyard Toledo Airport Holland on East Mall Drive, and made plans for Saturday to go to Sportway of Toledo on Angola Road for miniature golf, go-karts, and batting cages. 

The hotel wasn't the greatest (mostly because it was just older), but it was right next to oodles of restaurants and shopping centers, and just a hop and skip from Sportway. Some of the staff were very nice, and maybe the best thing: Caleb had the indoor swimming pool entirely to himself twice on Saturday and again Sunday morning! He took full advantage and swam for hours on end. There is also a McDonald's right across the street that has an indoor basketball court, so we had breakfast there both mornings.

Saturday we got to Sportway just after they opened at 10am, and while we weren't the only people there, there weren't many and we could basically do whatever we wanted. We started with a leisurely round of putt-putt, then we all three rode the go-karts (we were the only ones on the course), then we all hit softballs in the batting cage, then Caleb and I rode go-karts again... It was actually a pretty fun time and couldn't have gone any better!

Between the swimming and sportsing, Caleb and I also played catch with the football I brought, and then he was up for shopping at the Target, Walmart, and Dicks Sporting Goods right next to the hotel. He got a new shirt and some basketball cards and seemed pretty pleased. Other than that we mostly watched Nickelodeon in the room, ate, and slept.

I was honestly a little worried this third grand might not be too interested in spending the weekend with us on his own. Seems he usually likes to do things with his older brother. However, it turned out to be a really good weekend and I think he had a lot of fun. So did we!

So now we've got a 10-year gap until the next 10th birthday trip (coming October!). Hopefully we'll still be alive and kicking and he'll be willing to spend time with us too! 

Craft kits for kids

 We usually like to have some kind of planned craft project to do when we keep the grandkids overnight. It seems to give them something to look forward to, and keeps them from sitting in front of the TV... for awhile anyway. It's probably good for us too.

After pretty much going through all the selections available at the local big-box store (window catchers, rock painting, sock puppets, etc.), I decided to check into places online.

So far I have found three companies that seem to have some options:

• Creativity for Kids (we have used several of these, and like them)
• Made By Me!
• Klutz Arts & Crafts

 So, now the challenge becomes... which ones to choose.

***

Proverbs 17:6

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

 

First day of school

Today is the first day of school for the grandkids. I've been praying for them and about it all morning. I can't imagine being a child or parent under the circumstances of this year. Such staggeringly stressful times.

Anyway, I am glad the kids are in a small private school. The same one they've always attended. And, yes, they are attending in-person. A is now in 4th grade, B in 2nd, and C in 1st. My how time flies!

I feel like I've sort of lost touch these past few years. I'd always hoped to be a better, more Christ-like influence in their lives. One memory I have from when our kids were starting school was always trying to find just the right verse for each of them, and I'd make a little business-card with the verse printed on it so they could keep it in their pocket or backpack. That way if they started to get nervous or afraid, they could pull it out and hopefully find some comfort there.

Nowadays I almost feel like if I tell someone I'm praying for them, they'll either think I'm joking, or they'll wonder what's wrong. Such is life...

I do hope the littles have a great day and year. I hope and pray it can be as "normal" as possible given all that's going on.

***

Psalm 56:3-4
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
    In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid."

 

Grandparents day

This past Friday (9/6) was Grandparents/VIP Day at the school our grandchildren attend. They have it every year, and last year was the first year we visited all three grandkids - though the youngest was just in preschool. So this year we got to visit kindergarten, first and third grades.

The allotted time was actually 8:30 am - 11 am, but Jane and I both had to work, so we did an abbreviated 9-10:20 am. We spent about 20 minutes apiece in each child's class, and then they were all three out at recess at the end. Carrie was also there for some reason. Maybe she was a VIP(?).

I started out with Bennett and Jane with Caleb. B actually seemed happy to see me. After that we switched, and C was also glad to see me. Then we both ended up in Anna's room together. I was first to arrive and she just wanted to know where her momma was. She cheered up a bit when Jane got there.

So, that's pretty much how that went. I always feel awkward at these things, because they seem a little unorganized. None of the teachers talk to you, which seems weird to me. Of course, most of them look like they're about 14 years old. Anyway, I guess it is what it is. It's nice to get to see where they go to school.