A week without RY-GUY

This last week Ry had the great opportunity to go on his "12 year old adventure" with Papa Joe. My Dad started the tradition with his oldest grandson that when the grandson turns 12 he gets to spend a week with Papa Joe doing something that interests the Grandson and Papa Joe. The oldest Grandson went hunting in South Dakota (I think it was South Dakota). Big E was next and he had quite the adventure of going to Florida to hang out with the Alligators - literally! - We saw a few pictures when they got home (neither my Dad or Big E were too good at remembering to take pictures) and could not believe how close Papa Joe and Big E were to the gators! In the wild! - In fact it was a little scary. OK really scary!

Ry loves the ocean so off they headed to California for a week of camping, kayaking in the Ocean, visiting aquariums, and finding all sorts of sea life. Ry got home last night and was so excited to tells us of his adventures. I think before he left he was a little nervous to be going without his parents but boy he had a great time and talked our ears off telling us all his stories.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

He brought home lots of shells, a few treasures from the aquarium, and a whole bunch of dirty, stinky clothes - but no pictures! I don't think anyone listens to me when I tell them don't forget to take a few pictures - oh well. I'll just have to get Ry to write down all the great things he did this last week so he can remember it.

Our house was definitely different this week without Ry around - it is interesting how much family dynamics can change when your missing one person for a week. One thing that really stood out to me is that Ry usually has 2-3 kids over everyday after school to play - our house was so much quieter this week! But that changed quickly, last night when we pulled in at 10:00 pm after picking Ry up there stood 5 boys in our driveway wanting to play night games! - How did they know Ry was back? Oh yea cell phones! Back to life as usual.

Thanks Dad for a great week - Ry had a blast!