I think you still have time to get to dolphin. I'm hoping for at least 1,500 SP over the next six to seven months, which is about what you need. There are definitely ways to make it happen, I believe.
re: granddad.
Well, the priorities change a little. You don't have nearly as much of the stress, but you get to have nearly all of the fun. :) Win, win. Of course, you're not involved in the decision making so much for the grandkids as you might feel the need to be.
I've enjoyed it so far, but I don't have one that's over two yet, so plenty of life still ahead (we all hope) to see how it goes. :)