Do I have parenting skills? We're about to find out

I've always said to myself, one day, someday, I'll be a dad. Wouldn't that be cool?

My fiancée and I have talked about a family. I'm not a spring chicken, but we've talked about it. It would be cool to have a rugrat running around the house. Another person to chase after.

What fun.

Even though I've thought about possibly someday becoming a parent, I have also wondered, do I have the temperament it takes to be a parent?

With two dogs in the house, that certainly helps. They are both basically children.

And recently, we had her nieces, ages 12 and 8, at the house for an evening of fun-filled entertainment. During that evening, they made pizza with my fiancée. I tried to get a fire going, but my fire starting skills have never been all that good. It didn't take, so the s'mores had to wait.

But, the next three days could determine whether I have the right temperament or not to be a fit parent.

We're going to take her nieces south on a three-day trip that will include visits to the new Abraham Lincoln exhibit near Holiday World.

We'll also spend time at Holiday World while we're there among other things, including a trip to Marengo Cave.

Three days. Three days away from the puppies. Three days of three females and myself.

A few years ago, I would have thought to myself, "self, what have you gotten yourself into? Do you really want to do this?"

But, I think age has redefined my thinking regarding this.

I'm looking forward to the trip. It will be a great time.

When I get back, I'll share the experience.

If I live through it.