Sandbox Cars

Spring in New England and it is cold. We went to the playground and I thought activities would keep us warm. But instead, the pull of the sandbox was too strong. The wind was whipping. Shovels of sand were thrown up in the air, then caught by the whipping wind, and then the stinging sand was blown in my face. I pointed to the swings and the slides. I begged to leave the sandbox but the more I begged the more he wanted to stay and play.

Pig Pile

What is there about a loose football, that when one person falls on the ball, everyone has to also fall on top of the person who had the ball? I do know that I can't remember hearing so many happy laughs! And laughter has a way of creating a happy outlook.

The Three Amigos

They have so much fun together. They really enjoy each others company. They look out for one another, protect each other, share together and play together. And they are tremendous to be around.

Pillow

I asked for a pillow and I got a pillow and a princess. Time just goes by too fast. It is very special to enjoy the gift of life and love that grandchildren give. It is a gift that you never want to end.

Where Is Heaven?

All of the really deep questions emerge from the backseat of the car. I am driving when Eric asks, "where is heaven"? I said "it's above us". He then asks, "is it above the clouds"? I said "yes". He said "I think we're going to need a special airplane to get there"!

Trust

There is an opening in the jungle gym bars. There is a pole that is about a foot away for older kids to grab onto and slide down. The Princess is not tall enough to reach the pole. But she sees me and jumps, knowing that I will catch her. It is hard to live up to that kind of trust.

Welcome To The Jungle

She is fearless. If she can see it, she can climb it. If she can climb it, she can jump off of it. I run underneath to stay ahead so that I am where the next opening is. I am a running safety net. She sees me underneath and does a 180, and goes the opposite direction. She laughs as I turn around and narrowly miss a pole.

In The Jungle

Look, there are the monkey bars! Why aren't they called people bars? Lots of silence...Still more silence...Look, there are the monkey bars!

Why You Shouldn't Grow Up

You don't get to do cool kid things anymore. Like wear Curious George yellow boots, penguin sneakers, or walk around with your tutu on, unless of course, you live in Cambridge. Grownups have to work. Ah, the freedom of our youth.

Laws Of Physics

Laws of physics do not apply for three year olds. The phrase "thinking outside of the box", was actually created by a bored three year old that I happened to be babysitting. Winged flight for people, is another brainstorm, from a three year old. Basically, all ideas for new inventions were created by three year olds, and then stolen by their parents.

Olives

Olives are designed to fit on the ends of your fingertips. Their snug fit allows them to withstand long periods of hand waving and shaking, without falling off. No fork is needed. As the wearer of the olives can select the finger and the olive that they wish to dine upon.

Auto Safety

The Princess is very concerned about auto safety. Her beloved Birdie has to be safely buckled in, before the car can move. No stuffed animals will ever be hurt in Grampy's car.

Yogurt

I make my own yogurt, and the Princess really likes it. All I have to say is "who wants some yogurt"? She will appear out of nowhere. It has turned into a very unique bonding experience. Taking a bite and seeing who can say "Hmm, Ahh", the loudest. She can say it with a twinkle in her eye and laughter in her voice.

Shoveling The Yard

It is the middle of March, and even the kids are tired of all of the snow. With shovels in hand, they began the process of taking back the yard. They asked "Grampy, is the grass still alive under all of the snow"? I told them that like Go Diego, it was up to them to rescue the grass! Ayudame!

Avant-Garde

I never realized what an avant-garde trend setter I could be in a hospital johnnie. There were kids having their tonsils removed. I liked listening to the nurses talk to the kids. Do you have any bananas in your nose? Do you have any corn flakes in your ears. The kids would laugh. Then the doctor would say, Let's go to my playroom. Great strategies to remove their fears. And really, only an accountant could design a hospital johnnie, it's all about the bottom ... line.