First Week

Today is Saturday, the sixth day of our adventure.  And, it has been quite an adventure for each of us, in different ways.

I'm not going to write so much about what we've done, but instead, more about the part that actually matters, their (Janice, Skyler and Riley) emotions and reactions to various things along the way.

I believe they will remember the trip and time with Gram and Gramps.  The boys have giggled and laughed more than I thought possible as they've played together in the back seat of the car.  Over the last 2,000 or so miles,  they've done excellent overall.  Skyler has been a dream, following instructions and listening well.

Riley has done less well, but with 20 months less maturity, coupled with his personality have caused us to have to fuss at him some and spank once.  He knows that Gramps spanks, and it's his personality to challenge authority to see how far he can go.  I've always known this, so I have to periodically show him that I will do what I say.  I can't predict whether or not there will be future spankings, but he'll get one if he's earned it.

We make a point in praising good behavior, so that they understand the difference between good and bad.

Janice has not felt good, physically for several days.  And she's not sleeping well, so her patience is lower than normal.  I find that I tire pretty badly in the evenings, so my patience is less than normal.  I believe the boys know how to read us pretty well; they behave better when they can sense that were not feeling good.

We've been to Mammoth Caves National Park, the Gateway Arch, the Corn Palace and the Badlands National Park.  Janice and the boys seemed to enjoy each of the attractions and expressed immense delight at each.  I can't tell what they like best; when asked of Riley what he liked best, his reply is consistently"All of it".  Makes my heart smile.

At each attraction, I wish for more time to show them more.  There's just never enough time.

I feel like we're melding as a family.  With Janice and I having been married less than 4 months, the boys haven't had a lot of time up to now with the Malcolm and Janice family.  They seem room accept us and always seem eager to spend time with us.  I want to share as much time with them as possible.

We set up a phone call each night for the boys to talk to or Face Time with their parents. They have not exhibited any evidence of homesickness on the trip.  It's clear that they miss mom and dad, but no  tears or pining for them.  They will see them in 4 days in Yellowstone, so I think that helps.

I guess to summarize the trip, it has been what I've wanted it to be for many years.  Creating great memories of time with family.

I'll be back in a few days.