Two little voices and four little feet can sound like a thundering herd of caribou. (Not that I've actually ever heard a thundering herd of caribou.) The sound of a three-year old and four-year old playing is music to my and my SO's ears. Excitement is always around every corner when you are three and four. The toys at Grandma's and Grandpa's, while not new, are new enough to grandchildren to generate intense interest and concentration.
You never know when interest will wane, but when it does, Grandmas and Grandpas are always ready to move to the next activity. This morning, when a game of catch with Velcro mitts grew tiresome, a larger ball came out and Grandma invented the game of "Bowling For Grandpas", which was a big hit with the grandsons. Grandpa SO graciously fell floppily to the ground each time the ball hit his body. The more floppy he fell, the more chuckles and giggles were heard. Later, when Grandpa SO had to leave and go to a meeting, Granny took the remaining box of Animal Crackers, broke them in half, and proceeded to take the boys on a walk where they were encouraged to run or jump. The purpose of this game should be evident to anyone who ever needed to extract energy from youngsters. We were safely on sidewalks so their movements could be less controlled than being on the side of a street. When Grandma said "Stop", they had to freeze. If they were actually able to stop moving, they were rewarded with half of an animal cracker. I love a reward system that works, keeps children safe, AND extracts energy......all at the same time.
Of course, playing with grandchildren also exercises and tires out grannies and grandpas. I feel a yawn......number fifty-seven......coming on. It's nap time!
Ancora imparo
