Part 8 - Days in the life of a grandpa -

A Starbucks date with a granddaughter - and a ride on "Saddle" -

We get back to the car and decide we still have time to finish off
our time together in the usual way. We drive to a local mall and
go into the Starbucks coffee shop.  

The blast of coolness hits us with a welcome relief.  I get my
favorite drink - a short mocha. 

Amanda asks if she can have her usual tiny "sample cup" of
whipped cream.  And we share a big glass of ice water.   

Amanda sits on my knee in a big comfy chair, and we relax and
chat. 

She asks me with a grin if I have two quarters with me today so she
can have a ride on "Saddle".  Saddle is the name she has given to
the coin-operated horse ride in the mall.  Grandpa usually has two
quarters so she can have a ride.

She asks if she can put the coins in herself today, and soon she is
riding and holding on to the moving, swaying horse.  I stand there
and enjoy her grin, and imagine what she is imagining - that she is
galloping through a meadow on a beautiful horse, maybe on her way
to a picnic with Grandpa....

We have a quick walk through a department store, then it is time to
head out into the heat and find the car. 

"Can I have a shoulder-ride to the car, Grandpa?" 

Of course. 

I drop her off back at home by around 5:00 PM as promised. 

Another wonderful day with one of my wonderful grandchildren.   I
am so blessed. 

I get home in time to see Joseph and Vicky, who are at the house
again like the day before.  Beth tells me that while I was out, a
friend from out of town dropped by with their seven boys!  I love
these children too - they are almost like grandchildren to us. 

But on this day, with the pace of this week, I am glad that I was
out having a quiet few hours with Amanda, rather than around the
bustle of 7 + 2 children all at once.

Ray arrives soon to pick up Joseph and Vicky, and Beth and I go out
for supper.  We relax over a nice dinner (we decide to share a huge
16 oz. steak, and are both full when we have finished!)

I feel like we needed a quiet break from the pace of all the
baby-sitting we have been doing....

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