A Busy Day With 'Da Boys'

Great Granny And Rhys Yesterday Morning

Trail Leading From Tom's House

Tom's New Home

Fog Outside The Front Door

What a difference 24 hours makes. Yesterday at this time, Rhys was fired up after watching tractor videos while I sipped my coffee. Now it’s 7:45, the house is silent, and I’m drinking coffee while reading the depressing news in The New York Times. The gang is sleeping in as a dense fog alert blankets Lee’s Summit, warning drivers to stay off the roads. I can hardly see beyond the tree line myself. It’s unseasonably warm—53° already—and expected to reach the mid-60s later today.

Rhys Loving Water

A Well-Washed Great Grandson

Yesterday was a busy one, much of it centered on Rhys, who had slept over Monday night and is always delighted to do so. Mary was up early with him, followed by me at 6:00, then Tom and Evie. We enjoyed a leisurely morning of coffee, bagels, and Rhys. Mary and Evie kept him happily occupied, with Evie introducing him to one of our kids’ old favorites, Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town. After feeding himself yogurt, Rhys took a bath in the kitchen sink, cheerfully pouring water over his head.

Around 11:00, three of us—Marlena, Evie, and I—headed out to shop, stopping first at Target and then at Total Wine. I saved nearly ten dollars on box wine and seven on bottled wine compared to Chautauqua. We were home by noon, and Rhys soon went down for a nap.

Lunch was toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, after which I eagerly followed Rhys’s lead and took a nap myself. I was worn out, probably from the long drive on Sunday and Monday. I must have slept a good hour and a half because when I came upstairs, the house was quiet. Evie was on the couch, Tom and Marlena were resting, and Mary had taken Rhys to the doctor for a few vaccinations.

The Happy Parents

Aundraya, Rhys, And Billie

The Family

Around 4:00, we drove through busy Kansas City to Roeland Park, a Kansas suburb where Nick and Audraya moved a year ago. It’s a lovely neighborhood, and they have a spacious house with a great yard, outdoor patio, and screened-in porch. We got the full tour—bedrooms, living rooms, and basement—while enjoying libations and time with the boys. Both were awake when we arrived, though Tommy managed a short nap before dinner.

Grillin And Chillin

Tom And Rhys

Mary And Tommy J

Audraya, Marlena, And Mary

Nick grilled burgers and hot dogs outside, courtesy of Omaha Steak and hot dogs, gifts to Tom from a vendor. Everything was delicious, and everyone enjoyed the meal—even Rhys, who sampled hot dog bits for the first time. We stayed until 7:30, when both boys were asleep, then said our goodbyes and drove home through Shawnee Mission, where neighborhoods were festooned with remarkable Christmas lights. Many streets were crowded with cars out to admire them.

Tommy J

Tommy With Grandma Mary

A Happy Boy

We were home by 8:30, just in time for Evie’s bedtime. Tom and I watched the Dallas–Denver NBA game; only the two of us made it to the end—a Dallas victory. By then, we were more than ready for bed.

Christmas Lights On A Shawnee Mission Estate