Family Day at Dauset Trails

April 2, 2011 we met our son Chad and his family at Dauset Trails Nature Center. Our granddaughters Lorelei and Genevieve have never been there so I suggested it. We had a great time together. I made the girls scavenger hunt necklaces so they could look for and mark off the different animals they saw along the trail. Lorelei took this very seriously and even questioned why some animals were not on the card (couldn't fit them all). Gena stayed attached to her Papi...they have a real connection. Dauset Trails is free and offers shaded, wide trails along which are animal enclosures. Some animals have been rescued or rehabilitated. We saw foxes, bison, a cougar, otters, an eagle, hawks, owls or different kinds, a beaver, a black bear, bobcats, and raccoons. In the Wonder Room we saw alligators, turtles, and snakes. The kids could put their hands in the feely box and guess what things were. We also trekked out to the barnyard where we saw pigs, cows, and other farm animals. It was a wonderful family outing!

Tucker: Our First Grandchild

We've been estranged from our oldest son for 18 months. As a result we seldom see our first grandchild, Tucker. His family relocated to Roanoke, Va 7 months ago and cut off communication. Recently they were here for a week during which time we got to see the grandsons briefly at Olive Garden. Tucker, who will turn 7 in 3 days, was shy and reserved around us. But as we exited the restaurant, Tucker was standing there outside the door and he looked up at me and said, "I love you, Mimi." I said I loved him too and I hugged him. We exchanged talk about school and a little girl that says she is his girlfriend. That was it. Even though the time to see Tucker was so very brief, we were glad to see him. We could see he had questions in his eyes and maybe was wondering why he couldn't spend more time with us. It is our opinion that children should not be punished when the parents are upset with the grandparents and other family members. Sadness filled our hearts when Tucker had to leave. We are praying that his parents will make the choice to reconcile with all of the family. Tucker, our precious first grandchild, deserves this. And he deserves to have a relationship with his grandparents.