gratitude challenge day 11

Wow, Day 11 already. It's not only hard for me to believe that I've actually stuck with this gratitude thing for 11 days straight, but also simply that it's already the 11th of November! Time is flying this year.

Today I'm grateful for my dad, not only because he's always been a fabulous father but because he outdoes himself in the role of grandpa, or "Pawkin, " as all the grandkids call him. (The "Pawkin" thing started with my youngest, Tess, who we think was trying to mimic his habit of calling her "Pumpkin." As soon as she could talk, my dad was "Pawkin" to her -- and to every one of my nieces and nephews since.)

My girls get out of school at noon for the rest of this week, and my dad is so gracious to pick them up and entertain them so I don't have to miss work. His regular routine is to pick them up from school on Thursdays, and the girls so look forward to their time together that if I happen to show up on a Thursday they are way underwhelmed to see me.

He is every bit the stereotypical doting grandfather, and I so appreciate his love for my kids, and for me.