Oh what adventures you have dublb! My friend and I had our ears pierced at the local May Co. store, as they were doing them for free! That was in the early 70's, and they used a sterilized (I assume) needle and pushed it into a cork in the back (LOL). It was a real science back then - no guns.
I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your DD and DGK. You will miss then when they are gone.