Andrew's Special Time with Nana & Grampster

On August 10, 2008, Robin, Noah and I left Andrew in the capable hands of my parents. The three of us took off on a drive back home to San Diego from the Slade Family Reunion 2008 and left Andrew for a week of adventure.

From what I gather, everyone had a good time and Andrew did pretty well. He tired out his Nana & Grampster; he caught two rainbow trout (Nana and Grampster did not catch any, so Andrew skunked them); he enjoyed clapping and calling for Tiska (my parents Samoyed dog); he picked a few fresh berries from the garden; he learned how to put a washer and a nut on a bolt (to hold up a mailbox); he caused Nana & Grampster a little frustration – all as it should be. We got periodic updates from Andrew and from my mom and dad as well, but we did our best to just let them all share time together. My memories of my time with my grandparents have always been important to me and we certainly want our boys to have their own.

My mom sent a couple of cell phone photos of Andrew catching his trout. I think it was the highlight of the week for Nana & Grampster – and for Andrew too.

Andrew's Trout

Meanwhile, back in San Diego, Robin, Noah and I had a VERY quiet week. It is amazing how quiet the house was with just little Noah around. Not that I liked it better than normal mind you, but it was interesting to have such a quiet house. Occasionally we’d have to look around to make sure Noah was still there…. Every time, he was.

I flew up to Reno in the evening on Friday, August 15th. My Dad picked me up and we drove up to Susanville. It was very nice to have some down time to chat with my Dad. Both he and Mom are taking well to a less pressure filled life in Susanville. Thankfully.

When we arrived at the Roseberry House, Andrew was all ready for bed, but waiting for me. I got one of those, “I REALLY MISSED YOU DADDY” hugs, which I love. It was a little past bedtime, so I put him to sleep right thereafter and my parents followed.

The next morning we had some breakfast trout (my mother’s favorite meal). Andrew tried it out and had 10 or so bites before deciding he’d had enough. After breakfast, we all piled into the car and headed to the Plumas-Sierra County Fair over in Quincy (about 60 miles away). The fair was a small old time county fair. There were a couple of rides, some food, some crafts and some animals. Andrew was most taken by the rides, which allowed Nana & Grampster some time to relax (after they bought enough ride tickets to keep Andrew busy). Andrew’s favorite ride was the bumper cars – which I rode with him so that there was someone with a leg long enough to hold the gas down (barely).

Andrew Ready to Ride at the Fair

Andrew also picked out a few goodies from the U.S. Forest Service camping demonstration area. Typical Andrew, he picked out 4 things when the limit was 2. After negotiating with the Ranger for 5 minutes, he somehow accepted that he was only going to get 2 things “right now.” Thankfully the lure of another Icee drink made him forget about going back for more. In fact, it even kept him still enough to take a picture with my camera phone of Nana, Grampster and Andrew.

Grampster, Andrew & Nana at the Fair

On the drive back, we stopped right near Canyon Dam on Lake Almanor for a quick break. Andrew had been sleeping, but he woke up as we pulled into the rest spot. I asked if he wanted to get out and he said yes, so we did. As we walked over toward my parents, we started to notice several large birds circling overhead. And then more and more and more. All told there must have been between 20 and 30 golden eagles or some type of hawk (Cooper’s, Red-tailed, Rough-legged) circling overhead. Several of them swooped down to within 30 yards of us. It was quite a sight to behold. If only I had my SLR with the new 75-300mm Image Stabilization Lens!

After we got back to Susanville, we washed up and enjoyed dinner. As an encore, we did some Susanville Special Fireworks. Always a Nana & Grampster treat.

Andrew Double Fisted Sparkler

Andrew Enjoying

Andrew & Nana Doing Fireworks Together

Spinner in Action

On Sunday we played around with Tiska, watched Fox and the Hound (at least Andrew did – first time ever), and enjoyed the time with my parents before heading back down to Reno for the flight home. Andrew did just fine on the flight home. After we got over to baggage claim, Andrew saw Robin and Noah. He gave Robin one of those “WOW – I AM SO GIDDY TO SEE YOU” hugs, which she loved. He also gave Noah a big hug – to the point that they were falling down on the ground just outside baggage claim. Andrew confessed to having a lot of fun with Nana and Grampster and wanting to go spend time with them again sometime. As it should be….