I'm grateful for a pleasant evening with my family.

Today we were invited over my family's house for dinner and visiting. Our neighbor came over to spend some time with us and with the children. We have a very enjoyable evening with good conversations and fun for the girls. Our neighbor brought some 'consumable' gifts for us and the girls... mostly candy and chips.

Daniel was very cooperative tonight.

He was wonderful tonight. Either sleeping peacefully or looking curiously around. He even smiled at me tonight, enough to make a daddy very happy.

Everyone had a chance to hold little Daniel. He didn't cry even while we were visiting!

My parents have an Amazon Echo this year.

My girls had a lot of fun with "Alexa" as they requested their favorite songs. They like to request specifically "Children bible music." or "Jesus loves the little children." It had to be children singing it, or they didn't like the song.

The girls really had fun dancing to the familiar music.

I'm suspicious of this listening device...

I gave "Alexa" an interrogation. She claims she's not connected to any nefarious organizations or government institutions. But I'm not so sure. I know she isn't only listening when the pretty blue light is on, since she listens for her name all the time. At once point I told my daughter I should ask Alexa to play "go tell it on the mountain" and that very moment the song began playing. I realized that I said the word "Alexa", and "play" but I didn't command her - it was a surprising reminder that she is listening, even if you are not speaking directly to her (it).

My parents aren't worried, although after I used a few choice words in her interrogation, my dad is wondering if the black helicopters are coming for them.

I'm grateful for this time with my family and I never want to take these moments for granted.

Every day passes us by and wonderful moments come and go. Time is so important and it passes so quickly. I'm very thankful for this time with my family and friends and I think about the people who are missing loved ones.

Our neighbor had lost her mother a few months back. She took care of her for many years and the final few months were extremely difficult. Since her passing, a great burden has been lifted, but there is also a great emptiness. Hearing her describing the last few months of her mother's life was very emotional for everyone.

Still, it was a pleasant evening and I'm grateful to live so close that we can easily spend time with my parents and enjoy their company.

---

This is 62 of 70 of the #gratefulvibes challenge by @paradise-found.

https://steemit.com/gratefulvibes/@paradise-found/gratefulvibes-community-challenge-day-62-attitude-of-gratitude

---

Check out the previous Gratefulvibe: Grateful for our Bible Study group.

https://steemit.com/gratefulvibes/@ironshield/grateful-vibes-61-i-m-grateful-for-bible-study

---