(Since they didn't come with clothes that could get really dirty, Dottie dug through the rag barrel to come up with stuff to keep them from ruining their clothes and shoes.)
Talia pulled all but the last lug on the driver's side by herself; Caleb had done 3 on the passenger side with my holding the body of the wrench and him pulling the trigger but Dottie (our photographer for the day) was still putting together clothes for Dillon at that point.
Caleb was off playing with pieces of rope he found in my garage while Dillon and Talia took turns tightening the caliper pins; then they learned about torque wrenches and got to tighten the pins until they felt the wrench click.
They were very proud of their dirty hands. The GoJo dispenser inside the garage door was an even bigger hit! When Talia first rubbed it on her hands she said "This is only good for smearing the dirt around, Grandpa". Then I gave her a rag and when she wiped her hands clean she really grinned. She was so impressed she went back out and picked up on of the old pads and rubbed it all over her hands just so she could use more of it! (I'm glad the pads aren't asbestos anymore!)
Everyone got to take a turn starting lug nuts by hand, learning what to feel for. Then they each got to take a turn spinning them down with a 4-way, learning how to tighten every other one in a star pattern so you don't warp a wheel or a disc rotor. I showed them the big torque wrench for tightening the lugs, but they've got a ways to go before they can generate 100 foot pounds, lol!
Dillon learned how to work the floor jack and he pulled one jack stand and Talia got the other as we let the car back down onto the ramps. (The Neons are so low in the front that my old Hein Warner floor jack won't clear the front of the car without it being up on ramps first.)
Then Dottie wanted everyone to gather in front of the garage for one last picture.
Yesterday was spent building models, watching "Care Bears" and "Stuart Little" and "Tom & Jerry" along with the IRL race. Dinner was leftover tacos and gorditas from Saturday's dinner. Their Mom and Dad came to pick them up as they were finishing, so they ate as well.
I don't think they ever realized yesterday was "Grandparent's Day", lol!
Quite a lovely weekend! I hope each of yours was as well!
Off to play carpenter for a bit before I go to work...
alan
13 comments:
I so envy you your ready and willing crew. Good to get their interest while they're young and fearless and so absorbent of new knowledge & skills. You're doing them an invaluable service.
sigh...
If only my considerably older crew member would welcome learning to call roadside assist with such enthusiasm...
You have the most adorable crew! I love the name Talia. I have never heard it before. They are very lucky. The pictures are great!
Caleb, Dillon and Talia are absolutely adorable..
I miss those years when they were little,
when they wanted to come and visit.
My sons 2 youngest 13 and 14 now, were with us last Saturday at Rock bend in SP..after a while you could tell they wanted to get home to their friends :D
Our kids were the same way so I understand.
Thanks for stopping by Greentea you mentioned reading other posts on my sons blog.
If you read his 9/11 story then you know what I was doing that day, besides watching the terror on TV, waiting for the phone to ring to see what the judge said.
You probably noticed he is a little more conservative then I am, my daughter is the liberal and my youngest son goes with the flow :D
makes for some interesting conversations
Have a good day Alan..
Hi! I sorta invaded your blog..hope you don't mind. Looks like you got a great crew there! :-)
You are simply a wonderful granddad my friend! Those basic skills and the love you give will be the best of their memories.
Bobby and I are in VA right now... our FIRST grandbaby was born on Monday! We'll be back in a few days with stories and pictures of this pretty little girl. Enjoy dear Alan, we're just getting started!
Nice little pit crew you got there. Any chance you can do some work on my car? :p
Just goes to show you, anything can be a bonding experience! Looks like fun...
Gee, I wishI had a pit crew like that when I was stuck in Ottawa with my delaminated brake pad.
Y'all are so cute. And those kids will remember that day forever. It is something about letting them do 'grown up' stuff that leaves a lasting impression.
And a mighty fine crew it is!
I'll bet they even know how lucky they are to have you, 'cause they look like real smart kids too.
Right on Alan, and keep on torquin'
xx,
Lori
That is some seriously great bonding time you had with the little ones! Happy Grandparents Day late. Spending time together is the best gift you all could give each other. And I love how you explain what they are wearing and why. LOL! We know you don't let your grandkids slum in oversized shirts. LOL!
What a fantastic post, alan. I love the quality time you spend with your grandkids, and the things you are teaching them will serve them well a lifetime. You are a lucky grandpa to have such a great and adorable work crew. And those are lucky grandkids, and you know all the reasons why.
What a great weekend. I bet your grandkids are going to remember helping grandpa do the brakes. I hope you have many more like that.
paul
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