Adventures with Nana & Papa

In recognition of Austin's 11th birthday, he spent two nights (April 8-9) with Nana & Papa on their acreage in Aldergrove. Boy, was he a happy lad!!

Here are some notes from my mom, about the highlights:

Day 1: Austin and Papa are off to do a garbage run. A1 wasn't so sure but I assured him the place was clean. Then we are all going to the library to see A. Donna - he'll be surprised! We had such a good day - so hope the weather will hold so he can mow. Last night I asked him where he wanted to sleep. He said in his own bed but the light must stay on. I said the light in the other bedroom could stay on but not one directly over his face. Then we had a discussion about the night noises he could expect to hear and what they were. I hadn't been in bed more then 10 secs. when the door opened and "Nana, what was that noise?" I explained it was the freeway traffic - then said would you like to sleep in here? "YES" So Papa and he exchanged places - but I said all lights had to be off and that was fine. Then we had a discussion about why Sally (Mom & Dad's "adopted" ginger tabby) was feral and why she lost her mother when she was so young - which led to a discussion on coyotes - then to what other wild animals we had, with the conclusion that you guys probably had more dangerous wild animals than we did even tho' you lived in the city. His last comments were, "I wish we could live in a place where there was nothing bad that could hurt you." I said that would be Utopia. - which of course led to another discussion on what Utopia was. By this time I was answering with 1 word replies so we could get to sleep. He slept until 8 AM so had a good night. The Meccano (Austin's birthday gift from Nana & Papa) worked well but the plastic parts are not as strong as they should be - anyway he's satisfied and doesn't wish to take it apart so he could build another model - he said it was hard!! I said GOOD.

Day 2: We watched Pink Panther 2 - slap-stick comedy (mindless).

A recommendation from my mom, to invite Austin to read fantasy: Perhaps if Austin knew what he was listening for, fantasy would be more interesting - it sure brought it to life for me. Basically there is a quest, lots of challenges, an enemy. Good must always triumph over evil. There is usually a map outlining the quest - and of course, magic. Very similar to Sci-Fi only their magic must have some scientific principles that make sense!!

Austin made a point of telling Nana that he must get in one hour of exercise every day, and dad says he has to work up a sweat. Austin exercised by mowing the lawn (only part of it, of course - they live on 5 acres!), playing ping pong (apparently, he is getting quite good at it), and foosball (sp?).

All in all, it was a productive couple days, and I'm sure Nana & Papa were plum tuckered out at the end!