GRANDKIDS

Today I had the pleasure of spending some time with my grandkids while their mom and I did our grocery shopping. When the girls were little, we rarely took them to the grocery store. I usually did the shopping and my husband watched the girls. Jenny doesn't have the luxury now with John at Camp Ripley. I knew she had to do her shopping so I called and asked if she wanted some company and use the "divide and conquer" technique to get through it unscathed.

It was funny to watch the dynamics of the kids. One didn't want to be where his brother was, one wanted to be with me and then mom and then me and the mom... well, you get the picture. I had the boys help get things off of the shelves and they seemed to enjoy helping me. Sarah on the other seemed to be not listening at all and just went about doing what she wanted to do.

Max said he was thirsty so I told him he could have one of the bottles of strawberry water I was buying. There were four in the pack so I knew the checkout would be fine. he kept asking me if I had paid for it yet. I told him no but that I would be when we checked out. Well, he decided he didn't want to drink it if it wasn't paid for. Cute huh?

After I had checked out and was waiting for Jenny, Max was in the way, Colby was helping put the bags in Jen's cart and I noticed Sarah with her hands in her pockets. I knelt down to see what she was "hiding". In one pocket was some bubble gum and the other had a chapstick. Her little bottom lip was quivering as I scolded her for taking something that was not hers. I told her I never wanted to see her take anything again or Nana was going to be very mad at her. Jenny watched the scene while checking out and later said she stayed out of it since she hadn't seen what was going on. I hope Sarah got the message and won't try that stunt again.

Then we were off to White Castle for lunch. We ate leisurely and talked between the two tables we sat at. Kids at one, Mom and Nana at the other. All was well until Sarah decided to get down from the high stool she was perched on. As she jumped down her toe caught on the rung of the chair and she fell right on her knees. She cried and Mom gave her a big hug and carried her out to the car. I said my goodbyes and waved as they drove away.

Even though there were some rough spots today, I enjoy being with my grandkids. I love their different personalities, how they interact with others and themselves and how they give me hugs unconditionally as do I in turn. They are one of the greatest gifts in life I have been given (along with a fantastic husband, two smart, talented daughters and two son-in-laws who love my daughters). Until next time . . .