GG

This afternoon Scott's grandfather died peacefully.  Although we knew this news was coming, it is still hard to hear.  Grandpa (to Scott and me) or GG (to Abby, Ben, and Caroline) was the only grandfather I ever knew.  I've heard so many wonderful stories from Scott about GG helping with various school projects and taking him to Yankees games.  I had the privilege of sharing many family dinners and events with him, and hearing his very detailed stories.  I am so very glad that my children had a chance to meet him.  He will absolutely be missed.   

Umbrella Forts

Yesterday afternoon and evening, all three kids spent hours playing with all the neighbors' kids in a fort they created with 5 umbrellas, 3 blankets, and a dash of imagination. I really should have taken a picture, but I was afraid to break the spell.  I am not exactly sure of what compelling game was going on inside the fort.  All I know is that it included a really detailed plot and a dancing competition. It was one of those magical childhood moments when the kids were having so much fun, they absolutely didn't want to come in for dinner, they wolfed down their food, rushed back outside to keep playing the game, and then the magic of whatever they were doing was so strong, they were able to resume the adventure after dinner until it was almost dark.

I have been wondering lately whether or not any of these moments will be fixed into their minds as "special childhood memories," or if yesterday's fort with the frilly pink parasol and spiderman blanket will just drift away into the past and forgotten.  What about the spontaneous s'more party with their buddies last week? Or the little nature school they built in the backyard with logs?  Will they remember any of this, or maybe all these individual events will just be included in the general category of "childhood impressions." (Thinking about my own childhood, I have do have one really detailed memories about a basement fort created with 2 green army blankets, a green hassock, and a white zodiac hassock, two chairs, and a side table. But, not so many detailed memories about what specific games I played outside.) 

I have also been wondering if their "overall childhood impressions" are good so far.  I asked Abby one time over the summer if she was enjoying her childhood, and she looked at me like I had three heads.  But, I really do wonder. Are they having a good childhood??  And, what will they remember?  I hope they remember their fort. And, I hope I am doing a good job.  (I should note that Ben is starting preschool tomorrow, so I am feeling extra nostalgic and a little wistful at the moment...)

Oompa Loompas

You know what part of parenting is especially fun?  Watching my kids discover things that I loved as a child. 

This week Grandma Y brought up a copy of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the movie with Gene Wilder version from 1971, not the 2005 Johnny Depp version).  My kids were completely riveted.  After a Saturday on the go, they are watching an encore showing. 

I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit that I can probably recite the entire movie and sing all the songs since my brother and I used to watch our copy on Beta video over and over and over again. Of all the songs that are in the movie, guess what song Ben's been singing?  "Cheer Up Charlie!"  HA! My brother and I used to bellow that one all the time around the house, much to the chagrin of my parents.

Flashbacks

1) First waaaaay back - This weekend featured our town's Memorial Day parade.  Although we have attended the parade for the last eight years, we were eagerly anticipating this year's event since the parade now route runs in front of our house.  How cool is that?  Just walk outside and watch the veterans, bands, historical uniforms, fire trucks, scouting organizations, Shriner go-carts, and oil trucks (??) go by!  Let's hear it for oil??!  Also, let's hear it for deep rig drilling!    

Small town parades are lots of fun. Although we didn't attend the cake walk afterwards, the kids did a pretty thorough job of collecting all the candy thrown their way during the parade.  Since we're really trying to limit food dye intake with Caroline, I was focused mainly on monitoring her snacks.  Let me just say that Ben is much more adept at unwrapping candies than I previously thought. 

2) Moving up to the 1980s - Caroline gave me a chuckle this morning when she came into my room and said, "Mom turn around, I want to do something on your back."  I warily obliged, and then she started doing a little rhyme that I remember from my childhood.

Treasure hunt, treasure hunt.

X marks the spot.  

Three lines down and a question mark.

A pinch and a squeeze.

A tropical breeze.

Now you've got the shiveries!

Anyone else remember this one? Abby was doing Miss Mary Mack with me the other day too.  It's like strolling down memory lane over here. 

3) On a random note, I thought the grandparents would get a kick out of this last comment.  Today at lunch, completely out of the blue, Caroline said the following, "Mom, did you know that when Grandma gets mad at Pops she calls him Jim?  Also, did you know that when Grandma gets mad at Grandad she calls him Peter?"  The Jim and Peter parts were spoken in dramatic hushed whispers.  Although I mentioned that these are their first names and appropriate for common usage, she remains unconvinced.

Field Day

Field Day for Abby today -- How fun does this look?

Big Ball Race (Abby is 2nd from Left)

Obstacle Course

Acknowledging the Spectators

I LOVED field days in elementary school!  The epic battle of green vs. gold.  A full day of outdoor fun.  The day-long build-up to the ultimate event: class vs. class tug-of-war.  A chance to earn ribbons.  The highlight of field day for me:  tart lemon halves with sweet peppermint sticks.  The lowlight of the day:  the 1/4-mile race around the graveyard.  (No, I'm not making that part up!)

I'd like to note that while I'm typing this Caroline and Ben are listening to some music on CD.  This particular CD is scratched from rough handling (i.e., Ben).  The CD just got stuck on the "merrily merrily merrily merrily" part of Row Row Your Boat -- it's a little annoying,  but strangely hilarious....merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily..............I am going to turn that off now.........quickly (and merrily!).