16 Days with Papa Dave

Just three hours after we returned from Buenos Aires, my dad arrived at the airport in Asuncion. He was bag-less for a few days, but eventually his suitcase arrived, too. Since he had already visited us in October - and we had done the more "tourist-y" things then - we spent a lot of time at home, chilling with Bailey, going on walks, and playing games. Here are some of the "highlights" from his trip:

Bailey and Papa spent a lot of time out in the dirt! My dad took it upon himself to be our gardener for the two weeks he was here. He raked the leaves from the dirt and swept them off the patio daily. That job has become an every-other (okay, every third or fourth) day chore since he left.

Papa also introduced Bailey to the iPhone. She absolutely LOVED scrolling through the pictures (especially her own) and giggled every time he showed her a video clip of herself.

After so much time outside without any toys, Papa "forced" us to go shopping for some outdoor essentials. We went to the store intending to get a pail with the accompanying rake and shovel accessories, but when Bailey grabbed hold of the wheelbarrow and started pushing it up and down the aisles of the store, well, Papa Dave couldn't resist!

For those of you who don't know my dad very well, he can't sit still and do nothing. Being that we were in Paraguay - NOT an exciting vacation destination - and that his morning raking and sweeping filled only a half-hour or so of the day, Papa Dave took it upon himself to clean our windows. And by "clean" I mean "take-a-knife-to-the-edges-and-scrape-off-all-the-paint-and-grime-caked-in-the-crevices". It took him two days to finish the job! (And my windows look AMAZING!)

After working so hard around the house, and after our daily (sometimes two or three times daily) walks around the neighborhood, naps were definitely in order. Papa Dave lounged in the chairs on our front porch, keeping Nala company.

Papa also had the chance to spend two whole days babysitting Bailey. And by "whole days" I mean from 7am when she got up until after 4pm when Brandon or I got home. The last Thursday and Friday he was here, we both had staff development at school and were in meetings all day long. I know he was blessed by the time spent with Bailey and I was at peace knowing she was in good hands.

Love you, Daddy!