Puzzle Time, Music Time, Kitty Time, Party Time!

Puzzles and music were big hits on a 

recent visit from Claire and Evan.

Claire has become the resident "puzzle-

meister," though all the kids like puzzles.

Evan was rockin' away on his keyboard.

Claire astonished me with the speed with

which she assembled these Winnie-the-Pooh

puzzles pieces.  Each had a punch-out picture

 with not very distinct shapes. But No Problem.

Knock, knock.

Come in, but please don't disturb

the geniuses at work.

A standing ovation for an admiring

audience of one.  But moms are everything!

Kitty Cat has had a pleasant but "guarded"

relationship with all the kids ever since he

was a kitten.  He's older than our boys and

was introduced to the girls when they were

under one year old.  He's often a little skittish

when they "chase" him trying to pet him, but

at times he's really mellow.  As you'll see.

Evan is privileged-- not every cat lets you

pet him at mealtime!

Bri knows that gentleness goes a long way.

C'mon, Hunter.  I've got him!  

Here's your chance!

Good Kitty.  You will be rewarded for this.

This past Monday we held a belated

Christmas gathering at our home for 

some friends who rarely can get together.

The grandkids helped us host the event.

This geo-ball is still one of the kids favorites.

Matt, a math and physics guy, likes it, too.

All of the children are starting to get into

puppets.  Some interesting revues are in

our future, I'm certain.

This little table has paid for itself many

times over.  The children turn into little

adults when they dine together.

Well, Bri has disappeared, but the others

are chowing down on their cupcakes.  YUM!

Claire cringes as Evan demonstrates his

"no-hands" technique.

It works great!  You should all try it.

(I asked Evan if he does it to keep his

hands from getting sticky.  BINGO!

Ya gotta think like a kid.)

The aftermath.  Now back to playing!

Hmm.  More and more interest in letters and

 words.  Not surprising. They all love books.

And by the way, if you've missed Bri in

the last few pictures, here's where she

turned up-- at the adult table.

These four sure do play well together.

Or by themselves.

Evan thinks an electric drill is just the thing

for Grandpa's knee.

At least one classic picture resulted from

this party.  It all began with Hunter climbing

up on my knee.  Then Evan.  Then Claire.

Finally, Bri.  But only after she had taken a

picture of the other three on my knee.

I knew there was some distinguishing fact

that identifies this as a Christmas party.

It's the PRESENTS!

Hunter and Evan received dragons, which

rank along with dinosaurs and snakes as

their current favorites. And Hunter loves

showing his great stuff to Granny.

When Granddaddy learns that the girls

received little change purses, he calls them over.

When they're older, they'll learn to bring

their change purses to him even before

he calls them.

I have too many photos and videos for

one blog, so I'll pause here.  Hunter, who

always says "C'mon," will lead you to the

next blog post, where the fun continues.

And Evan seconds the motion . . .

"C'mon."