MY RECENT TAH & ADVENTURE

In my world, "TAH" is a beloved acronym, meaning "Time At Home." My recent TAH began early, the morning of August 11 (Thursday), and concluded at Noon, August 15 (Tuesday). 
THURSDAY
  My co-driver, and I arrived in Nixa, at 4am, with a freshly washed truck. I didn't get much sleep that night, so functioning that day was difficult. I did manage to find the energy to participate in Parent Orientation, at Hunter's school. It was informative and fun. There were a few other fathers there that I recognized, and held short conversations with.
FRIDAY
  After having breakfast with my grandfather, the family and I drove to my parents house. We were setting out to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to drop off my dad and brother for an extended visit - related to my dad's doctor and hospital visits. I drove my dad's van, while Regina followed in our car. The trip was 285 miles. Naturally, we made a few stops along the way, for a meal, and the kids' frequent restroom needs. We checked into the LaQuinta motel upon arriving, then made our way down to Grandma's house for supper. Dad and Mark shared a room at the motel, just for tonight. After this, they stayed at Grandma's apartment.
SATURDAY
 This was a busy and memory-filled day for us. After breakfast at Denny's, we drove way across town, and spent a couple of hours with my cousin, Jason, and his family. Our boys had a lot of fun with his kids. One-year old Macyn amazed us with her walking and communication skills. Mark came along with us, as well. He spent most of the time with the kids.
  After visiting Jason, we spent time at Grandma's apartment, in the Potawatomi senior housing complex. I replaced her light & ceiling fan chains while I was there. Always nice to be useful.
  Later that afternoon, we went swimming in the motel's indoor salt-water swimming pool. The boys don't know how to swim yet, but we are gradually teaching them. Of course, Mark came with us. He enjoys going to motels for the swimming pools.
  Although Hunter's birthday was 5 days away, we thought tonight to be appropriate to have him open his big gift - a Nintendo Wii. He was beaming with pleasure and delight. Together, we played it for the rest of the evening. Some of the the games are very exciting, and cause kids to jump up and down; this led to receiving a call from the front desk, kindly requesting us to keep the stomping and noise down. There is a first time for everything. It was bedtime anyway, so the downstairs neighbors didn' t need to call in on us any more that night.
SUNDAY
  We packed our things, ate the complimentary breakfast, checked out, and headed to Grandma's apartment to pick up Dad for church. Since Dad has to severely limit his activities, Grandma went ahead to Sunday School with a neighbor. Dad intended to just attend the main service, if we happened to be going as well. This was my second time in ten years to attend Grandma's church, in Tecumseh. Hunter did well during church, but 3-year old Forest wasn't feeling the best, and sitting still was quickly becoming an issue. So, we spent time outside, and then in the back row. After church, we went out to the Chinese restaurant before Regina, the boys, and I took off toward home. It was a good visit. Dad and Mark would be staying in Shawnee, with Grandma, for the following 4 to 5 weeks. Dad is scheduled for his heart procedure on the 31st of this month. It sounds like it will be a success.
  Our trip back to Missouri went smoothly. We took a detour through Joplin, just before sunset. We were amazed at the devastation the tornado had left behind. The sights left a lasting impression on the boys. Although I do spoil them, I do emphasize that people should be the treasures in our lives, not material possessions.  When we arrived at my TAH house (Grandpa Hill's), the boys didn't take long to fall asleep, after they had put on their pajamas and brushed their teeth.
MONDAY
This was my original day to return to the road, but I needed another day off to get myself and the truck ready to roll. Since we had been out a full month, before returning home, my boss was fully agreeable to giving us a 5th day off.
  I got to take Hunter to his first day of 1st grade. He needed a little help finding his new classroom; I was happy to walk him in.
  While Hunter was in school, Forest, Regina and I ran all over town, getting shopping and chores done. Then I got in the truck, sweating like crazy, as I cleaned the interior as thoroughly as the Blue Beacon boys cleaned the exterior. Its cleanliness was something to be proud of.
  At 3:30, Forest and I picked up Hunter from school. Forest rode on my shoulders as I meandered through the hallway, and into the gymnasium to meet Hunter.
  After a few laps around Grandpa's yards in their electric car, Hunter suggested that we go to Fuji Japanese Steakhouse for his birthday dinner. (what kind of child asks to go there???) So, that's where we all went. The food was very good, and the experience was worthwhile. Hunter got the royal birthday treatment from the staff. He was loving life.
TUESDAY
Regina took Hunter to school, then picked up her sister to perform some errands. With my truck all packed and ready to go, I helped Grandpa load up scrap lumber into his pickup, from a construction site, and stacked it neatly in the back yard. Grandpa had intended to do it himself, but became more and more glad that I came along. He is 85 years old, but performs like a man 20 years younger. However, there are times when the age slows him down; and he has to recognize his limits.
I got the house in order, showered, performed my good-byes, and met up with my co-driver at the church parking lot. It was time to hit the road, and earn a living.