Saturday the sun came out, the temperatures rose to a pleasant 60 degrees, and I was with my grandchildren. A happy place most of the time. There are those small moments when the bottle isn’t ready and Stella, 3 months, is hungry. And naptime when both Stella and Leo, 27 months, were crying. There is no such thing as a perfect child or a perfect day with them, but Saturday came pretty close.
After naps, I took Leo, dressed in his caterpillar Halloween costume, to the park to watch the kite flyers there. There was a “Hulk” kite tied to an electric pole. When the kite crash landed, I took the chance to share kite flying experience with Leo.
“Pick up the string”
I held the kite high.
“Hold it up high. Now let go”
The kite caught the March wind and up it went. Leo danced in a circle squealing with delight.
When I think about my play-day with Leo, I realize that he never played with a toy. His father was working on fixing up a small shed with peg board. Leo played with a drill, a pencil, and a screwdriver. He was building, too. At the park, he picked up a large branch and “raked” leaves. Who needs toys when the world outside is full of interesting sticks?
When the Very Hungry Caterpillar sat at the kitchen table to eat his dinner, I said goodbye.
“Bye, Mamere. Kiss.”
Kites, the wind, and that kiss will carry me through to next Saturday.
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, I just love this slice of family joy. I especially appreciate the thought about toys. “Who needs toys when the world outside is full of interesting sticks?” I’m so glad you have that kiss and memories of kite flying to carry you through the week 🙂
❤
.The part about Leo playing with dad’s tools and not a toy made me think about an article in the Atlantic about parenting. How it is good for children to simply be with their parents with slight adjustments for their presence rather than creating the environment for them. Always love to see pictures of these two!
https://apple.news/A7edt-DtMQYucHhNc0r1PGA
Oh! What a beautiful moment. I love the caterpillar costume & the kites & the fact that Leo’s toys are his world. I am so happy for you that you get this time with your grandchildren & so looking forward to a time when we can once again spend time with grandparents.
His costume looks warm and cozy. No wonder he wants to wear it!
Oh those sweet faces! I’m missing my 3 so much–the pandemic has definitely cut my grandma time. Most of my interactions these days is through FaceTime. Second vaccination coming…I can’t wait to get some face-to-face time with my little ones!
Kim
What a lovely day you had and your grandchildren look delightful. How good to be out and about in the wind and sun.