Mental Picture

I wish I had a camera for this but I didn't. I'm not a good enough photographer to really capture the impression fully, anyway. I'll recreate the scene with words, instead.
My parents came up Friday night, sort of impromptu, and treated us to a good meal out and then some baby-sitting. Saturday, Nathan got a surprising offer to go to the UK basketball game. Yes, yes, we have season tickets, but he'd sold these tickets earlier to one of his coworkers. My parents agreed to stick around so that I could get some much needed cleaning accomplished (last week was filled with a loooong migraine and then some kind of stomach bug). About half way through the game, the boys and my father disappeared outside. As I washed the dishes, I could see them in his car, crawling all around, pushing buttons. Not, Daddy. The boys. Daddy was sitting still. He just lets them have the run of the car and I'm not sure if the settings ever get back to where they were.
I decided to venture out to the SUV and ask a favor. As I turned into the driveway, the blinkers were flashing, the wipers were wiping, and I couldn't help but think it was rocking, ever so slightly. I stepped to the window, peeking in to see Will on my father's left leg, vigorously turning the steering wheel and pressing all the buttons thereon contained. Carter on Daddy's right, cocked head back, gulping some Coca cola. My father was smiling. I pecked on the window and neither of my boys seemed to recognize this signal to cease and desist. Daddy rolled down the window. Will glanced over to me as he began reaching for more and different buttons on the dash board. Carter removed the can from his mouth and Coke trickled down his chin in a thin stream from his Cheshire grin. After my request was made, the window slowly raised and Will and Carter continued their reign of power over the Chevy.
Now, why was dear ole dad smiling, I wondered as I ambled back into the house, happy it wasn't my car. Could he really be that happy to watch his grandsons exploring, investigating, and tasting their world? Maybe. But more than likely, he was smiling because he was going to get to turn them over to me, wound up, and fully caffeinated.
Earlier this week, Carter said so many hilarious things and I vowed to remember them and when my illness subsided, faithfully record them all. Of course, I don't remember now. I do remember that he said the blessing one night at supper, "God, thank you for Jesus, and thank you for Jesus again. And thank you that even though you don't give us the power to fly, you give us the power to fly in a plane." That was it. I guess he forgot about the food.
By Thursday, his search for a wife had reached a crucial point. He no longer wants to marry Bella-Claire and he will just be a fireman. I told him what my Daddy told me until I got engaged, "you can live with me as long as you want." He asked if we could make cookies every day and I assured him we could. I know he won't stay with me forever, but it's always nice to offer.
Will's amazing discovery this week is that he can actually wave with only his index finger. His thumb and other three fingers spread out and he curls and uncurls his pointer with laughter and wonder. You can always tell when he's doing it in the car because giggles emanate from the back seat.
Stock tip for the day: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I used up one wiping away fingerprints from trim, stair rail, kitchen, and bathroom. Oh, and a pen mark on the living room wall. *narrowing eyes at the small blond-headed monkey running by* Now it's time to remove the finger prints all over my computer screen before he comes back.