Grandpa and his playmates . . .

So on Thursday I get a phone call from my dad (just 45 minutes away in Spearfish), wondering if Jack and Noah could come have a sleepover on Friday night and hang out with him on Saturday . . . . . hmmmm, a free night for me and Mark - no babysitter costs - duh, OF COURSE, I told him! A no-brainer! :) So we shipped the kids off to Spearfish after school on Friday and went out for peaceful dinner together and then went to see National Treasure, which we LOVED and thought was excellent - of course our favorite parts were the shots of our "backyard" - Mt. Rushmore and Sylvan Lake. Then Mark got to sleep in this morning while I went to a church meeting, and then to a bridal fair with Marcy (Josh's fiance). By the time Grandpa and Grandma brought Jack and Noah back around 4:00, we were definitely ready to see them.

MEANWHILE, Jack and Noah had the time of their lives - Friday night they were treated to pizza and a movie; this morning Grandpa made pancakes and then took the kids to the coffee shop to get their favorite "coffee" drink, then took them to the fish hatchery to feed the ducks, and this was only the beginning. Back at Grandma and Grandpa's - who have plenty of snow, as their house is up in the hills - Grandpa helped them build a snow fort, a snowman and a snow PUPPY (Noah's idea and design). Then macaroni and cheese (yet another favorite) for lunch, and then off for a hike in the hills. On the way back into Rapid, Jack fell asleep in the car which he NEVER does - Grandpa thoroughly wore him out. So, they had a great time, which is wonderful - we are so thankful for the bonds Jack and Noah have with all 4 of their grandparents. What a blessing!

Grandpa was sure to get pictures for us - here are their creations:

And on their hike: