IT WAS NEVER BORING!
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sherry and I kept each other
company outdoors while the boys, dressing the part when possible, were
active as indians on the warpath or good guys in search of robbers.
 |
| Two braves |
 |
| The Good Guys |
Kelsi and Sophia are affectionately known to us grandmas as Pete
and Repeat. Whether it was the boys or the girls, however, where you
found one, you found both.
|
In mid-August, Brett flew in from San Diego planning
to rest, play with the kids and ride his bike. There was little
relaxation for him, however, since, as anyone with children knows, when
they are awake, so are the grownups.
One day was spent visiting the Akron Zoo. School was back in
session, so crowds were gone and it was as though we had the Zoo to ourselves.
Brandon and Sophia were invited to a birthday celebration for one of Sherry's granddaughters. A nearby amusement park offered bumper boats, miniature golf and go-carts in the list of activities. The weather was ideal and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by kids and adults.
 |
| Kelsi and Sophia |
 |
| Bumper boats - Terry and Brandon |
Brandon began kindergarten the end of August and
adjusted quickly. He's already encountered a bully on the school bus.
Brandon and his dad talked about how to handle the situation and Matt
told him to stand up to the boy. And sure enough, when the bully
hassled him again, Brandon did as Matt told him: He literally stood up and the bully backed down.
Sophia is short for her age: she and Kelsi who is a year
younger are the same height. Sophia's about six inches shorter than a
playmate who is the same age. You could say she's doll size.
Fall arrived slowly and made visits to the park inviting.
I've belonged to an internet writers' list since its inception over five years ago. We have evolved into a neighborhood of friends who, instead of chatting over backyard fences as our parents did, chat via our computers. Periodically members meet. The latest get together was in mid-October and was the first I've attended. Dubbed the P1 'Rama, it was held in honor of Peter (aka P1), a list member from Sydney, Australia, who was visiting various cities in the US. One of his stops was in Bloomington, Indiana. Those of us who could met there at the home of Julie, yet another list member.
 |
| Changing color of fall |
The weekend was like every family reunion should be. Each
arriving person was welcomed with bear hugs and broad smiles. We talked
and laughed from arising in the mornings to late in the evenings.
Saturday brunch was at Bloomington's Runcible Spoon, the namesake of our
parent list. Then it was off to visit the local farmers' market
followed by an afternoon hike into the woods near Julie's home. I
realized on the drive back to Massillon that although I've belonged to
the list since its inception, there'd been a gap in the circle. That
space closed as I spent time with this group of witty, charming,
accepting folks. Now I look forward to a time when all of us can be
together to celebrate the amazing relationship that makes us closer than
many families related by blood.
Pam; Sachet; Gloria; Mike; Julie, our hostess for the weekend; Al, Gloria's husband; Andy, Julie's son; and (center front) Peter.
Al; Sachet; Gloria; Pam; Andy; Julie' Mike; Matt, Laura's/Wolfie's son; and Laura