On vacation with my wife, daughter, two sons and grandson Landon.  Decided to get away a bit at the end of what has been a very active summer, so loaded everyone up on a plane and flew to sunny southern California.  I has been an amazing trip as we’ve experienced the majesty of the world’s largest trees, the Sequoias; driven through miles and miles of orchards and vineyards; and strolled along Hollywood Boulevard.

However, in addition to all of our other activities, I am finding myself increasingly grandpa’ing.  Usually one never  to miss an adventure, a large part of yesterday at a Six Flags amusement park was taking my turn watching Landon while the kids rode the rollercoasters (although admittedly, my lovely wife, grandma Sandy, did even more of this than I did).   And then now … well I am sitting outside in our rental car with Landon as the rest of the clan tours Warner Brothers Studio (seems they don’t want a baby adding any unplanned footage during their filming).

But the craziest thing is, I like it.  I like hangin’ out with the kid.  I love watching him look at me, listening to him try to verbalize, and … oh, oh, that sound means it’s probably time for a diaper change.   And even when he’s fussy and whiny and screaming  to beat the band, there is an indescribable joy in holding and comforting him.  Much as our Father loves just being with us, I love just being with Landon. It is an incredible honor that he and his mother trust me to care for him.

My heart today, as I am learning to be Grandpa Dave, is to afford the same respect to my Father in heaven that Landon has granted me, the honor of trusting him to care for me.

Stay tuned, Grandpa ‘ing 101 just keeps gettin' better.

To the King,

David