Foreign relations

Because they're caring for my 95-year-old grandfather, my folks don't visit nearly as often as they'd like. And when they do visit, it's always a bit of a whirlwind. Arrived about 3pm on Wednesday, left around 10am on Thursday to visit my sister on her 40th birthday.

We crammed a lot into the nine waking hours we had together. First up, a downtown stroll culminating in a stop at "Dragon Playground." The kids showed off their high-speed sliding skills and Greta made up an elaborate game in which she was the princess and Grandma was given the honor of being the Queen.

Carey cooked a lovely meal -- pasta bolognese, chased by brownies ala mode -- while Grandpa helped the kids carve a kitty pumpkin.

Once the kids were asleep, we gathered around the modern hearth, our 42-inch Vizio. Didn't watch anything, but the muted picture provided a nice glow in the room. We listened to Dad's college roommate Per, who was visiting from Norway, talk about where he lives as Carey tried to find it on Google Maps.

All in all, a lovely visit. They certainly did not overstay their welcome.