A Day with Grandma

Marty had to go out of town yesterday so Mom came over to watch the kids while I went to work. Here's a picture Mom took of me and the boys before I left for work.

When I got home, we hung out and talked for a while/I did my best not to fall asleep on the couch and then we drove her home. Mom and I hadn't eaten so we decided to go for a late lunch before heading to her house. Here are some pictures of the kids. I took the picture of Lauren then Lauren and Mackenzie took the rest while I was looking at the menu.

We always have to get a picture in the swing at Grandma's so here we all are. Lauren and Austin have a bunch of junk because they were going to spend the night. But when it was time to leave, plans changed and Nick and Austin ended up spending the night. My plans never work out like I think they will.

So then the kids wanted to climb the tree. This is always another good photo opportunity. Mom decided I was going to fall but I had to remind her what I do for a living ... I mean, I AM a balance beam professional after all! Ok, seriously ... let's just say we were lucky no one fell.

And then, Mom had this GREAT idea ... she needed someone to cut some of the branches that were hitting her roof. Did I mention she pretty much lives in a jungle?! None of the houses in Dallas have trees but somehow her yard is a forest! Anyway, I climbed up on the roof with a saw and branch cutter and went to town. I was sweating my a$$ off but it was fun. And the kids were helping, too. I would throw down the branches and they would throw them in the creek. And then when we were all done, Mom gave them each a dollar. I wonder when they will figure out that this is not a good deal!

After we finished in the yard, the kids played for a while inside and Mom and I looked at old pictures.

And that was our exciting day. How about some music? I'm going to play Steve Forbert: Romeo's Tune. This one's for you, Mom! We used to listen to this 8-track while driving around in our van when I was a kid.

Steve Forbert released this song in 1979. And I was surprised to see it on Keith Urban's greatest hits CD as a cover tune earlier this year. Most of you know how much I love Keith Urban but Steve Forbert's version is so much better ... probably because of the memories it brings back for me. If you want to compare, listen to Keith Urban.