Brandon's stay

Brandon's week with us was a little uneventful initially, but I think he enjoyed relaxing all the same.

The first day we were together we started off the morning walking Finnegan, which Brandon was shall we say, less than thrilled to be doing, BUT ended up having fun as we were allowed access to Big Al's before it opened and given a tour of sorts by John, the General Manager. Most people in our neighborhood have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Big Al's. When first I proposed we take a look inside the windows to satisfy his curiosity he was hesitant as he is not one to not follow rules, or color outside the lines. I assured him that walking in the parking lot was permissible. When we walked near the doors it just so happened that John was right by the opening and invited us in, Finnegan and all.

Tuesday he made good on a promise to visit Elizabeth Huber at the Hallmark shop where she permitted Brandon to put up a flier for a tournament he was hosting prior to his trip to Australia. He was told by her that she never put fliers up, but would make an exception just for him IF he would agree to write an essay telling her of the adventures he had in Australia. He was very glad to get that monkey off his back. I think he also enjoyed going in the back office and sitting with her and chatting about Australia, life, travel. She also invited him to come and say hello any time he was near her store. I believe Brandon has a fan for life as she was just so enamoured with him and took time to read and discuss the essay with him on the spot. He also got to have a treat at the Godiva Chocolate shop adjacent to her store. He found that while he is not a big fan of Godiva, the experience was pleasant.

Brandon also got to see the new library closest to our condo. Brandon loves books, reading, libraries, and I think libraries are quite possible his happy place, surrounded by books, and soft cushions and people whispering and on their best behavior. We found the new library to be small and quiet as compared to the main library but quiet and quaint. No doubt we will be spending countless hours there this school year.

I can no longer recall why we had Jordan for part of a day, but we did. The funniest thing I recall is Jordan coming up with his "Dancing Eyes". Brandon laughed so hard watching Jordan's eyes dart to and fro in time with the music.

Thursday we went to the Enchanted Forest amusement park. It is old fashioned and reminiscent of a time long ago. But he went with a friend from Village Home and I just tagged along behind them. While his friend was cynical, Brandon by contrast just enjoyed the moment and was happy to be there. I told Brandon that while I liked his friend, I did hope that he did not adopt his friend's sour attitude and outlook on life! It did seem that they had the most fun on a roller coaster and the log ride was a favorite and even his friend could not mask pure joy at shooting down a hill awaiting the inevitable SPLASH!

Saturday we had a party to attend, but because he was with us, he was invited to attend as well. He did very well at chatting with the adults in the crowd and found a new love:

At the weekend we watched a movie he'd been wanting to see. Sunday he got the piece de resistance...a trip with Grandpa to Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center. There was games, golf, laser tag, ropes course, go carts, and rock wall, all for the taking! What more could you ask!?!