WILD RIVER PIZZA

Debra, a perfect hostess, got a break from meal-preparation as we ate lunch today at Wild River Pizza.

This is the lunch group except for the photographer.

Judy, Debra and Ashley.

Silas, Dean, Devon and Tim.

Bethany checks out the menu.

Devon makes a comment on Uncle Dean's quantity of hair.

Devon investigates Uncle Dean's quantity of hair.

Uncle Dean's quantity of hair.

Full stomachs ready to return to the house to celebrate Dean's birthday.

SATURDAY MORNING IN THE PARK

Part of my responsibility for our very busy and very fun four-day weekend was to take the boys to the park for a couple of hours on Saturday morning so that they could burn off some energy and so that the grownups remaining at the house could prepare for the day's events with uninterrupted concentration.

So Saturday, this morning, Dean and I accompanied Silas and Devon to Bear Creek Park and the four of us played together for over two hours. Meanwhile, the other grownups were preparing the house for a surprise birthday party for Dean. Today is Dean's birthday.

With the assistance of my little four-inch mini-tripod, the four of us are captured on camera at the incredible play structure at Bear Creek Park.

Framed by the rungs on this overhead ladder, Silas demonstrates his overhead-ladder-climbing skills.

Silas hurls the Frisbee toward his Uncle Dean. (Great-Uncle, actually, but some of us don't like to use that term).

Uncle Dean tosses the Frisbee back to Silas.



Devon turns the Frisbee-throwing event into a threesome.

I turn it into a foursome.

Silas asks if he can take a picture and the answer is "Yes".

While Silas takes a photo, a passerby notices and offers to take a picture of all four of us.

Returning to the play structure, Devon notices a plane overhead.

Silas and Devon hang by their knees.

Devon scrunches his face atop the monkey bars.

One final acrobatic display before returning to the house for Dean's surprise birthday party.

JUDY AND DEAN ARRIVE

After spending a couple of hours at Bear Creek Park, we returned to the house and to the pool. The temperature was hovering around the 100-degree mark and the pool got us cool. As we splashed around, Debra stepped into the backyard from the house and said "Guess who's here?"

It was my sister, Judy, and my brother, Dean!

The wet Weathersbys pose for a family photo.

Naomi jumps from one side of the pool while Silas jumps from the other side and Devon looks on.

Naomi blows air through a foam noodle.

After Judy and Dean arrive, Silas recruits Dean into a game of Trouble.

Debra and Judy discuss recipes over an open recipe book.

Dean ultimately defeats Silas as Tim watches.

Naomi hangs with Aunt Judy.

Before Judy and Dean return to their hotel room, I mysteriously change four nickles into four dimes on the back of Dean's hand and then give Dean the four dimes as a birthday present.

BEAR CREEK BREAK

Sensing that three grandkids might be needing a break from their parents, Debra and I took Silas, Devon and Naomi to Bear Creek Park for a couple of hours this morning. Parents were not allowed on this particular excursion.

Earlier in the morning, and before heading for the park, Silas and Devon exercised their ping pong skills together.

Later in the morning, Papa and Nana placed three grandkids in their car seats and drove to Bear Creek Park.

Silas wasted no time finding a slide.

Nana and Naomi followed Silas' example.

Naomi seemed to favor the swing more than the other playground activities.

Devon discovered some pretty rocks among the sand.

Papa was persuaded to provide pushing power at the park.

Devon slides down the pole.

Silas slides down the same pole.

Devon takes his turn on the slide.

Devon and Silas explore the climbing structure together.

Naomi returns to the swing, this time powered by Nana.

Silas masters the overhead ladder.

Silas uses a Frisbee to separate the pretty rocks from the plain rocks.

Silas and Devon try to catch "Jesus bugs" in the creek while Nana and Naomi watch. I had never heard of Jesus bugs, so Silas explained that they are the ones that walk on water.

Naomi and Nana rest on the bench while the boys wade through the creek on their Jesus-bug-catching expedition.

Devon steps out of the water for a moment and stands on the bench.

While the boys remain at the creek with Nana, Papa and Naomi take a stroll through the park.

Naomi takes the lead.

Eventually, Nana gets a turn to go for a walk with Naomi.

The boys wrap up their efforts at catching Jesus bugs.

Devon makes the only catch of the day and proudly displays his achievement.