A week at "The LITTLE Lodge"

I spent the last week with my family in Watertown.  Mom had been admitted to Jenkins December 1 and Dad had moved to T&Cs home for his "assisted living".  So it was time to talk.  Lee came Thursday and was there for the weekend before I was able to come Monday morning. Friday I worked, Saturday we went to SF to celebrate Cari's 35th birthday at KevAnnas.

 Sunday we went to Lake Norden to celebrate Clarice's 90th birthday with a party after church with food, fun, lots of friends to honor Clarice. 

Sunday evening it was back to Sioux Falls to babysit while KevAnna took Cari to Big Daddy Weave concert for her birthday.

Ok then back to the week at the Little Lodge.  Monday was the Reveal Party for baby Little (David and Jessica)  Lots of fun games :  diapering a stuffed animal blindfolded, guessing at baby food flavors, biting into cupcakes simultaneously to reveal:  It's a Boy!

we brought Mom out every day for 6-7 hours so she could enjoy the family.

Leora had visited Ian's church Sunday and mesmerized them with a piano solo for the offeratory.

Monday we went out to ice cream and pie with Larry and Janet.  They have been delivering Meals on Wheels to Dad daily and this week we cancelled them so he wanted to visit and Perkins is apparently their favorite place!  Mary Lou drove to town and joined us.  

Tuesday Abby brought the girls out for the afternoon after lunch at Perkins, Grandma always liked the Chicken Noodle soup there.

Dad loves playing with Ila:

Wednesday Abby had a day off so we picked up Mom and went to lunch at Good to Go but had to sit in a cold area right by the door, it was very cold.  Dad got a haircut at his favorite barber:  Macks.

We went over to Dad's house and stayed a few hours, Mom was convinced we were breaking and entering someones house, also stealing when I put one of her warm sweaters on her.  She insisted on a picture at the door to prove that we had made her into a robber!  And she wouldn't smile:

Dad was ok with being there, but happy (I think) to go back to TCs.  

Thursday Lee headed back to Brookings to help Ian's friends at Teen Challenge with their singing.  Sounds like she worked her magic and had them singing in 3 part harmony after an hour or so.  She is so talented!   Gordon and Kathy were back from Florida, they joined us for supper with Lake and Emily showed up.  Ribeyes for the masses, sweet potatoes and salad completed the feast.

We talked some and Gordon agreed that dad is doing well staying there, but still thinks he might get to spend some time at home next summer.....

Friday:  Lee went to WHS to check in on a former music student and see his work in Watertown.  She was not impressed.  She visited Mom for goodbyes.  When she got to Jenkins they were doing a Hymn sing and Mom was just sitting there; Lee picked up the music and sang along.  She was pleased to hear Mom join in on Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, Just as I am and the Lord's prayer. Such a blessing for Lee to experience that with Mom!

we emptied out the freezer and fridg and took some plants; Ian will pick up the rest of the plants so they won't need to be tended to.  

changed some addresses to go to TCs.  Delivered Lee to airport for her flight back to Seattle. 

I slept in the "boys room" with Gri.  A huge bedroom that could sleep up to 10! 0r more if needed:  double bunk, 2 double beds, another double mattress under Gri's bed and a couch!.  He always was in bed by 9  and up by 7am so we didn't even bother each other.  Ian slept there Wednesday night too.  So quiet and dark....good sleeping if you get an extra blanket.

Great hospitality and wonderful chance to spend quality time with family.  We dubbed the Little home as the Little Lodge after Taylor Knippling showed up one night and I asked her what she was doing and why she was visiting:  I am a college student in Watertown and when I need anything, like a hot meal, I just come here!  It's like a Lodge....and it's all FREE!

Many Thanks to Terry, Carina and family for a wonderful week.