December 30 – “Panchos trips and eureka purchases”

I imagine the entries will be getting somewhat shorter for the rest of the year.  Not that I’m growing disinterested, or even that I fear you may be.  It’s just that there are a few tiny young beings around here right now who might require a moment or two of my time and energy.

Yesterday we enjoyed a day with the Waco grandkids (and their parents).  What made it so enjoyable?  Josh treated us to a trip into Texas for … drumroll here … lunch at Panchos.  May not sound like much to you, but our three boys fell in love with Panchos growing up.  Why?  It was the only place they could eat until they were really full (no mean feat for teenage boys).  It has been a long time.  Thanks, Josh and Christi.

We stopped at Home Depot on the way home to pick up a last minute gift.  Then we went to Academy to do the same.  That’s when the excitement began.  The boys were busy spending gift card money they had accumulated.  And as we walked around the basketball section looking for something for Luke, we saw a Little Tykes basketball goal. It had apparently been a display item, and they were selling it as is for $12.  They were going to let it pass, but I had seen the weather reports.  It was not looking good for Luke and shooting baskets at the park.  I offered to buy it and keep it at our house if we could get it home in the car.  Mom and Dad finally saw the wisdom in the move and bought it.  In fact, Christi even finagled 10% discount on top of the already clearance price.  And one other thing.  As it turned out, Josh’s eyes had fallen upon another display item that had been reduced.  A kayak.  Zak got one for Christmas, and it’s living here in Galveston until they can come back in their truck.  Why not get one for Josh as well?  He’s not going to let Zak go out by himself.  Sure enough, he dropped us all off at the house, and he went back in our truck to get it.  It now resides in our back yard.

The rest of the evening was spent listening to basketballs bouncing and the squeals and screams of impromptu games.  Luke smoked Nani in the game of the week, though.  His three pointers were just too much for her.  I think the purchase was a successful one.  We closed out the evening with a little football and a private showing of Ant Man.  Long day again.  Well worth the exertion.

Psalms 119:148 says, “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”

Father, thank you for Panchos trips and eureka purchases and family to experience them with.  Amen.