"Well, Molly's got them handled for the most part. She fusses if I disrupt her routine with them so ... er ... I try not to, too much. Been busy at work though. Picking up overtime whenever I can." He dropped his eyes slightly, but he was doing it for his family, to support his wife and children.
There was nothing shameful about an honest day's work.
He nodded encouragingly to the idea of visiting old friends; he should look into that. Especially with the holidays swinging up so quickly.