A Couple Of Days With Rhys And Tommy

Aundraya, Nick, And The Boys

Watching Truck Video This Morning

Lee's Summit Morning

It's 8:20, and we're at my son Tom's house in Lee's Summit, MO — a lively, bustling place. I've been up since 7:00, but my great-grandson Rhys, who spent the night, was up at 5:00. His brother Tommy just arrived with his dad to spend the day, so we're in for a busy and fun one. Right now, at 8:50, Tom and Mary have taken both boys out for a stroll in the stroller on a sunny, 56° morning. We were in touch with Beth yesterday and this morning, and Rami is still in the hospital and had a couple of successful procedures.

Evie And Rhys

Mary And Rhys

Tommy And Tommy

Papa And Tommy

Yesterday was an easy four-hour drive from Oklahoma to Lee's Summit, a suburb of Kansas City. We left around 9:00 and pulled in just after 1:00, making one stop for gas and skipping breakfast altogether. I drove the whole way and felt great. Mary and Marlena were waiting in the driveway when we arrived. Rhys was napping, so the first hour was quiet — until he woke up and claimed everyone's full attention. Tom was working from home and could step away whenever he liked. What a luxury. When Rhys finally stirred, I was able to go in and lift him from his crib. He looked up at me, said "Baba," and stretched out his arms. How neat to be recognized. He's all boy — loves playing with trucks, has a little hoop and basketball, and is devoted to his football. When he's tired, he winds down watching truck videos on TV.

Mom And Rhys

Tommy And Nick

Around 5:00, Nick arrived with his wife, Aundraya, and seven-month-old Tommy. We caught up on their busy lives — on Sunday, they're flying to Cancun for a much-needed break, leaving the boys with both sets of grandparents. While everyone played with the kids, Tom got the steaks ready, and Mary made a salad and baked potatoes. Tommy seemed perfectly at ease with both Evie and me, which was wonderful — we each got to hold him before and after dinner. 

Granny And Tommy

Chillin And Grillin

Tom grilled the steaks to perfection, and we sat down to eat around 6:45: beautiful Costco steaks (Evie's special request), salad, and potatoes. Nick and Audraya headed home around 7:30, leaving Rhys to spend the night. We stayed up until 9:30 watching the NFL Draft and went to bed around 9:45. What a great day.