Playdate!

It seems like just a short while ago I was

apologizing for not having many recent

pictures of the grandkids.  That was then,

this is now.  Prepare yourself: Here They Come!

Evan: "Besides, I made him an offer

he couldn't refuse . . . ."

We thought Bri and Claire might be old

enough to play with this wooden train set.

And yes, they love it.  But here, it's Evan

building the "train track to nowhere."

Ah, history buffs like Grandpa, Evan and

Hunter debate the qualities of their

favorite presidents.  Thanks to Aunt Caryn

for the quilt-- it's now toddler tested.

Gentlemen, go to your corners.  Hunter

inspects our washing machine box while

Evan figures out how to manipulate our

luggage carrier/toy receptacle.

Sand is a multi-purpose agent for Brianna.

Good for cooking, digging, and pouring.

Can't get too much of that stuff.

We all love watching Claire's curls flutter

as she swings.  The girls are learning to pump

their legs-- less work for Grandma.

Hunter: "It's a fight to the death-- Hunter the Bold

versus the Evil Serpent."

"Hey Evan, could you spare a minute to

help me get my finger unstuck from the

Evil Serpent's mouth?"

Evan's not camera shy.  He's a smile waiting

for a photo op.  But he'd rather be

holding the camera.

Hunter is drawn like a magnet to the

scene of activity.

"Grandpa, did you shave today?"

"Grandpa, will you help me find your muscle?"

"Ugh.  This shirt tastes better than it smells."

Evan and Hunter: "No, we don't worry about

him getting away.  He's totally domesticated."

But when someone needs a bottle, I do slip

away to go hot-rodding with Claire.

This is a one-seater, but Bri ambles along

just in case we need a push.

Believe me, Bri knows her stuff.

My dad and brother often call to check in
during the afternoon, sometimes while the
kids are at our house.  They're accustomed
to hearing me say when the phone rings,
"That must be Grandpa Loyd." They don't mind
me taking the call outdoors as long as it doesn't
put a stop to the fun. Heaven forbid.

Hallmark, make me an offer.
My heart just melts.

As with the wagon, sometimes Bri would
just rather push than be pushed.  And that's
just fine with Claire.

With the girls entertaining themselves for
a while, moms Jennifer and Amanda get a
little extra one-on-one time with their
handsome fellas.   No, not their hubbies, as
handsome as they are.

Claire: "I find it's nearly always worthwhile
when visiting neighbors to check what's in
their compost.  Most instructive and revealing."

Hunter: "Okay, I've got this juggling of two
balls down pat.  Next step is learning to let
go of them.  And then, adding the third ball."

Aunt Amanda knows just where to tickle
Evan to elicit that smile and a giggle.
Doesn't look like he minds, does it?

Yes, it was a full afternoon of child neglect
and abuse at the Loyd house, fully documented.