Starting out with the first granddaughter, my dad decided that he was going to build all of his grandchildren a unique gift that was just their own. He is can do amazing things with his hands and he is more creative than I can ever hope to be. The things he has made will be wonderful keepsakes for these children.

My oldest son was really into trains and dad made him a black engine toy box out of stovepipe. It is amazing and I am afraid to let him keep his toys in it, as something could happen to it. But, dad said that he made these things for the kids to enjoy, not to put on display. So, reluctantly, I let him keep it in his room.

For my youngest son, dad built a motorized riding tractor, complete with skid steer tires. Both of the boys have gotten so much enjoyment from it and I have had so many people comment on it and ask if dad would sell them one. He wouldn’t, of course, as it was an original design, built solely for Andrew.