What about the little storm (of grandkids) that hit OUR house last week!?

When you're already retired, holidays shouldn't matter

so much, should they?  That is unless it means you're going

to see more of your grandchildren!  YEAH!

That's exactly what happened for us Labor Day weekend, as

our Georgia Talberts spent a fun-filled long weekend with us.

Much of the time the Kirby crew joined in, so we had

the Fabulous Five in action.  Here are some highlights.

Because we were so proud of Hunter's rapid advancement in
Tae Kwon do, I promised to let him pose with my two swords.
This is Sting, a replica of Bilbo Baggins' spider-stabbing blade. 

Hunter has the courage and character of heroes of old.

Bri has had similar outstanding achievement in gymnastics,
though hers don't involve sparring and weapons!  But she gets
to wield the sword, too.

Don't mess with me.  And don't let the smile fool you.

This is Gandalf's elf-forged blade, Glamdring, or Foe-Hammer.
It's a load for an almost 7 year-old.  But he handles it fine.

Likewise, Bri carries it with poise.  But I think they'll both need
to grow into it.

On to less war-like pursuits, such as community building.
Anything can happen with these imaginations.

Bri and Hunter meet our new friend, Kitty.  He/she isn't ours,
but doesn't turn down a good meal.  

No, we haven't added a redhead yet.  Bri and Hunter had dear
friends over for a playdate, including bikes, wagons, and rides
on the Green Machines.

And yes, they were all swingers.

Bri still has the knack of walking on these # 10
cans with exceptional balance.

Yes folks, America's got talent.  Bri has 10 tops spinning
simultaneously.  Top that!

Brotherly love.  But not brothers.

Do you recognize Chewbacca?  One of Hunter's early birthday
presents.  We celebrated early because we won't be anywhere
nearby on his late September birthday.

Hunter demonstrates part of his martial arts form for his
grandparents AND great grandparents.  Bri also amazed with
some of her gymnastic stunts-- back bridges, front splits,
and side splits, among others.  We were all duly impressed.

Jennifer and Ryan dropped by before picking up Claire and Evan
from school.  Ryan had only seen cousins Bri and Hunter once
before, but you'd never know it.  What camaraderie!

School's out. And all five kids become medical professionals.
All they need are victims-- er, I mean patients.  Looks like Evan's
about to get THREE shots!

Guress what this is.  Give up?
A slinky added to the end of a Hot Wheels track.
And it worked!

When it comes to toys, Ryan especially likes the big ones, the
noisy ones, and the ones that do cool things.  In other words, he's
just like the other kids.  That's the way they're wired.

Hunter got to select a bonus present at our beloved Sandhills Coalition
thrift shop.

It didn't take Hunter and Stephen long to make it operational.
And deadly.

Saturday night was FAMILY NIGHT, our traditional get-together.
They're not monthly now that the Talberts are in Georgia, but
we take advantage of every opportunity.

The older four team up to go wild on the big tire.  I can still
remember when we had it at the old house and the kids were a
little intimidated.  Now I'M the one who gets scared just watching!

Family night also included birthday cake for Hunter.  AND for
all those in attendance.  Yummy.

Open wide for ice cream.  To help the cake slide down, of course.
Note the match box.  A few minutes later, Evan brought it to the
dining room where the adults were.  He laid it in front of Judy and
declared politely but sternly, "Keep away from children."

At dusk we moved outside, where the kids were outfitted with
Glo-Sticks.  They frolicked all over the back yard as it grew darker.
During the excitement, Evan knocked out a loose tooth on a fence
rail.  That slowed him down for about 3 minutes.  The tooth hasn't
yet been found.

This is one of the pictures we will always treasure.

And so is this.

Up on the housetop . . .

Now can we go play?

A shout out to my girls.  Ultimately, Judy gets credit
for our girls and grandkids.  Without her, I wouldn't
have them.  And we couldn't be happier with how
Jennifer and Matt and Amanda and Stephen are raising
them up.  We're sure they'll take good care of us.
In our old age AND now!