A Special Outing

You know how you have that friend that you think will last a lifetime?  We all hope for someone that will last the test of time.   My dad actually has one of those friends.  He's been seen on my blog before and maybe you wondered who he was.  I'm betting most readers assumed he was an uncle.

We grew up going on our family vacation with "Glatzel" and his family.  When I was little I didn't realize who Glatzel was or how special he and his family would be to our whole family. It has become normal to hear my dad say "What is glatzel doing? Is glatzel going fishing? What is Glatzel drinking?"  Over time we have heard stories of their college roommate days and the years and years they have shared since.  

Glatzel is someone that I consider a gentle giant-tall and soft spoken.  He connects with the kids because he is hands on with little boys. (Oh but he bribed my sister and I with raisins just like the boys).  He surprises them with little toys and spends large chunks of time teaching them about nature and treasures that can be found in the water. 

Glatzel, or known to me as Mr. Glatzel, has seen me grow from an infant, to a jumping, screaming young girl, to a crabby, sarcastic teenager to a dancing bride in white, to a mom of 2 boys.  He's had nothing but smiles for me.  He even had a part in our wedding.  You can trust he'll take you on a gentle boat ride, listen intently to what you have to say, offer you a snack and bop to the music at any live concert. 

Last week my mom (aka Grandma Barb), Eli, Hugh and I went on an adventure to visit Glatzel.  We were lucky enough to see Mrs. Glatzel and their dog, Daisy, too.  Mr. Glatzel had quite the surprise for Eli. 

If I had just an ounce of his patience. This train made Eli's eyes grow big like saucers. When he saw the train under the tree he clasped his hands in front of him as if that was the only way he could control his little body from spinning out of control with excitement.  He got to touch and drive the train while bossing Mr. Glatzel around.  What a dream. 

Meanwhile this adventure was not just for Eli.  Hugh explored and shared some kisses with their adorable dog, Daisy.  He played with the big lego blocks that were pulled out while Eli showed Mr. Glatzel his tiny legos.  Hughie also left his mark (fingerprints and tongue licks) on their back window.  Sorry Glaztel. 

Eli's cheeks probably hurt from smiling so hard. We are lucky Grandpa Bob knows how to keep such cool friends so we can have special outings like this!