Playing Ball

 

 

 

 

After all those enchiladas we needed to burn off a few calories. While the girls picked up after dinner, Andy led the kids in a rousing game of... "ball".

Pounding Nails

 

 

 

I never met a kid who didn't like to pound nails. I took some old boards and a box of nails I had lying around and showed Charlie how to pound a nail (it's becoming a lost art). Soon everyone was joining in. I know there were more than a few nervous parents in the background, but with the proper instruction not one child smashed a finger... theirs or anyone elses. By the way Trevor can now pound a 16 penny nail straight into a board with 3-4 hits. I know a lot of adults that can't do that!

Taking a Break

 

 

 

 

Trevor, Abby, and I made a tent out of a parachute and pitched it on the front lawn. During the day it served variously as a shade awning, castle, "neighborhood kid-attractor", and rest area. Here Abby and Olivia are taking a break from the action which was a massive assault on the castle with homemade foam swords.

Gramma Fixit

 

 

 

Gramma is no seamstress... but she can repair about anything that needs fixing with a needle and thread. She has been doing that for the grandchildren ever since Trevor's "Blankie". Now it seems like almost every visit someone shows up with a blankie, stuffed animal, or piece of clothing that needs a bit of surgery and Gramma, happy to oblige, gets out the sewing kit. Note the big smiles on everyone's face...especially Gramma's!

Explorer

 

 

 

 

Olivia is probably the most cautious of my grandchildren, but I also think she had the most fun this weekend. She loves joining in with her cousins and trying new things... who could resist. Unfortunately I don't have pictures for the blog of her racing around at high speed laughing and screaming like a kid on a carnival ride in the bubble car being pushed by Trevor and Abby. She loved kicking our big beach ball and playing with a hose in our backyard.

Future Farmer

 

 

Grandson, Trevor, has tons of energy... and he loves a project. Here he is trying out my new battery-powered hand cultivator and helping me get my garden ready for planting. Thank you, Trev!

Abby and Alex

 

All of the grandchildren love getting together to visit and just goof around together. But what is most fun for me is watching how the younger children watch and learn from the older ones. Alex really seems to enjoy exploring his new world with his cousin Abby. Abby is especially good with the younger children. She manages to stretch them beyond beyond their capabilities, but she always keeps it fun. I can already tell she is going to be a great mom... just like her mother.

Making Enchiladas

 

 

Sunday, April 18, all of our daughters decided to get together at our house just to visit and hang out. Jane and I love it when this happens. We think the unplanned times are the best. Jane decided to cook enchiladas and the grand kids loved helping her. The visit always seems to start in the kitchen with everyone checking out whats going to be available to snack on, start meal preparations, and catch up on the latest news.