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A Christmas Surprise.

I just got back from a surprise trip to Texas where I was the one surprised. I was going there to surprise Wally and Ethan (grandson #1) for their birthdays. However, when Brad and Morley (grandson #2) arrived to pick me up instead of Rachel, Wally's wife, I stood all amazed. Rachel was in on all the surprises. I guess I got "punked" as in the TV show of the same name. I saw a white car drive up which I did not recognize but the “driver looked so lively and quick I knew in a moment that it must be. . Saint” BRAD! Yes, the second look confirmed that Brad was getting out of the car. What a surprise. With shock, it takes a moment for the brain to make some type of connection hence the blank look which I am sure I had and which would soon be on Wally’s face as we headed to Wally and Rachel’s home.

I sat in the back, simply enjoying the fun and little Morley while Brad found his way miraculously to 5916 Brookside Drive, Argyle, TX. We rang the doorbell and Wally opened the door wearing the “blank look.” It soon registered that there was a fun weekend underway. The entire entourage stayed at Wally and Rachel’s home which was festooned with Christmas cheer. It was great and much gratitude is extended to Rachel for keeping all the secrets and preparing her home for all of us, food, lodging and entertainment. Lisa, Brad's wife, could not fly because of her pregnancy. Brad said she wouldappreciate a weekend of rest from a very active 16 month old. I heard that she spend one day just cleaning. Not exactly restful but we can all relate to that feeling, the impossibility of getting cleaning done with little ones around.

Brad was great alone with Morley which might have been a little scary for Brad to be the primary caregiver. While Brad struggled to get an overly extended Morley to sleep, Grandma couldn’t resist creeping up to see the other grandchildren “all snuggled asleep in their beds.” Ethan woke up and in his haze saw Grandma. Certainly, he thought he was dreaming.

The next morning, Lauren, Ethan and Amelia had “cozy-time” with Grammi while Morley slept. Ethan shared his “Wonderful Wolf” award that he recently received at his elementary school. A large, medal medallion held with a ribbon just like an Olympian award. We were all so proud of him for this honor given to exemplary students.

We had to be at Wazoos at 10:00 a.m. where Ethan was having his "friends" birthday party. Wazoos is a warehouse full of inflated jumpables. Grammi even got into the act and had a great workout. Morley favored balls every size and shape. And although a little young for Wazoos, did catch on to jumping. Little Amelia kept trying to get Grammi to crawl into impossilbe places. After cupcakes and treats, we went back to Wally and Rachel’s house for real food of which was a great quacamole dip. Morley was resisting a nap as I am sure his schedule was definitely “off” so Brad and Grammi drove around while he slept. We drove to our townhouse in Lewisville as Brad had never seen it and I needed to “check” on our investment as part of the trip was for that purpose. Supposedly, the lawn maintenance crew had chipped the double glass at the front entrance but I could not see the chip.

Back at Wally and Rachel’s home, I suggested to Ethan that he show Grammi how he rides his bike. We enjoyed some bike time and pretty soon, Lauren was biking, Amelia was pushing her baby cart and Morley was pushing an emergency vehicle. Wally and Rachel put on rollerblades so everyone except Brad and Grammi were on wheels. It was a windy but a warm Texas afternoon and we couldn’t have had more fun.

Wally and Rachel enjoy a great restaurant in Fort Worth called Jimmy T Garcia’s where only two dishes are served; enchiladas and fajitas. It is an indoor and outdoor restaurant. We chose indoor with the children but the great music and enchanting Texas ambiance is stronger outside but so is the smoking. Little brick walkways lace among fountains and tree canopies. The fragrance of sizzling steak and the laughter of people trills off into the star lit night. The brilliant full moon dominated the sky. This short, sweet day was about to close.

Sunday morning and new toys from the birthday and grammi/grandpy could have made for a busy morning but Wally and Rachel have a super way of defining the activities. Without being negative about what can and cannot be done on Sunday, they simply remind the children what level of activity is allowed on certain occasions. I heard them telling the children it was not a level three day. Sometime they will have to explain the concept to the grandparents. We are on a learning curve also. We try to follow the rules of each family.

My tears of gratitude followed Brad and Morley as they had to leave for the airport earlier than did I. I stood waving bye-bye in my blue robe while basking in a sunny, Sunday Texas morn. It was a wonderful surprise, a memory distilling of special time with loved ones, seeing nuances of grandbabies and connecting with dear children. Thank you to all who made this weekend possible: Rachel as hostess with the mostess and secret keeper, Wally as surprisee and Birthday Man, Lisa as facilitator, Grampy as provider, Brad as magic maker and Birthday Man, Morley as good sport, Ethan as Wonderful Wolf and Birthday Boy, Lauren as supporter (taking Grammi’s hand and leading her to the podium when the primary sang “Hello” to Lauren’s Grandmother), Amelia Grace as sharer, Will as driver and Inn Keeper, Patrick as storm trooper (we had a big ice storm the day before I left.) and, hopefully, Duncan, Amanda, Hal and Holly as willing readers of this long blog entry. Love, MOM, Grammi, MaMa,