MEMORIES: 2004

2004 - CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS WITH THE FAMILY

Brandon and Sophia like to help in the kitchen. Thus, for a few weeks before Christmas, we made cookies on the days they were with me. Some stayed here, but most went home with them, either in their bellies or in a tin.

Although it was doubtful that Brett would be able to join us, we all kept the hope in the back of our minds. The unusual start of this year's Christmas celebration is written about in FROM THE HEART, titled "Good Things Come in Small Packages" (December 2004).

Weather remained icy and miserably cold, hovering near zero, through the weekend. Power lines were down in the area, and although Matt and Dawn had lost their cable TV and computer connection, elec- tricity was unaffect- ed. They also kept the fireplace fueled and it remained aglow throughout the weekend.

Brett was as prepared for the chill as one can be having lived for ten years in Florida before moving to California. To compound the situation, his warm clothes were in his luggage which was still in Detroit. But the sun was inviting Christmas Eve day, so the three fellows went out to play on the backyard's snow-covered hill.

Dawn and I were up long before Brandon appeared outside his bedroom door on Christmas morning. Once he saw the presents under the tree, he ran to the family room to wake Uncle Brett, and Matt went to get Sophia from her crib. Christmas Day had officially begun.

BRANDON AND SOPHIA - 2004

January

Brandon was 4 on January 4. Sophia was 1 in November of last year.

February

March

April

May

June

July

Augusst

September

October

November

December

2004 - FALL

Summer was here and gone much too quickly. During the day we'd take a walk to the island where Brandon and Sophia would often entertain themelves "mountain climbing" on the bridge.

In July Brandon had his first experience playing T-ball, although it frequently seemed the only reason he agreed to participate was so he could go to the playground afterwards.

Suddenly summer was over and Brandon was back in preschool three mornings a week, but Sophia and I continued our morning walks.

With our weather turning toward winter, we enjoyed sunny autumn days outdoors right through Halloween.

A BIRTHDAY IN THE COMPANY OF LADYBUGS

Sophia's birthday -- her second -- marked the end of fall. When Dawn told Sophia she was going to have a birthday party, Sophia's eyes opened wide in excitement and she replied, "Santa!!" Not yet, but just as good -- a house filled with family, friends and LOTS of children to help celebrate the big day.

2004 - SUMMER

OUT OF THE HOUSE

Easter, whether early or late on the calendar, signals the imminent arrival of warm weather. It's the Valentine custom for grandchildren to assemble with parents (and this lucky grandmother) at the paternal grandparents' home for an egg hunt.

He found one!

Eggs? She wants the candy!

Grandparents' Day at preschool is a festive occasion. Brandon showed me his room, pointed out special friends and introduced me to their activities area. He and a few classmates delighted in putting curlers in my hair. Frankly I liked being the center of attention although the expression on my face might lead you to think otherwise.

For all practical purposes, school's out so summer's begun. Brandon and Sophia are eager to leave the indoor toys of winter to ride their bikes and play in the sun and fresh air. Brandon's graduated to a larger bike since his knees were bumping the handlebars on last year's. Sophia has a bike she propels with her feet because her legs are too short for her feet to reach the pedals on ANY trike.

Sophia's eager to try anything physical and Brandon's there to help her. I bite my tongue to refrain from saying something silly like "Girls don't do that," or "You're going to hurt yourself" if the worst that can happen is a bump or minor scrape. She needs to learn what her limits are and I'll endeavor to give her as much freedom to explore as I can and then kiss away resulting boo-boos.

Dawn and I left Matt at home and the kids with Nana and Pappap so we could visit Dale Chihuly's exhibition of glass sculptures at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. These are two of over 75 pictures we took.

To quote from the brochure we received, "see nature's beauty intermingled with the stunning creations stemming from the human imagination....brilliant color ... that is sure to awaken the senses." We were especially affected in the Pacific Island Water Garden room where free flying butterflies and glass complemented each other. When time permits, please visit the Chihuly web pages.

The heat of summer has been slow to arrive, so air conditioning is unnecessary here on the lake. We've also had a lot of rain, typical for an Ohio spring, but something we generally fail to remember from year to year. The combination of cool days and plenty of moisture brought a prolific quantity of crown vetch into bloom on the island. These pictures were taken in mid June, but we continue to visit the island so that Brandon and Sophia can carve trails by walking through the vines which are still lush and blooming.

MEMORIES