Last summer we instituted the first annual Simon Summer Camp, complete with t-shirts. One of the daily activities was a walk. A neighbor and long time friend has an empty lot next to his house. He’s had a mound of dirt on this lot for a while now.
We call it the mountain. Leo is five, so he remembers. When he and his sister Stella visited this weekend, Leo said, “Let’s go to the mountain.” Stella, in her 3 year old wisdom thought this might be a long trip, so she would need the Disney chair.
Watching these siblings create games is thoroughly entertaining. It wasn’t long before they were racing from across the street to make it to the mountain. Leo always won.
Then Leo found a shovel under the tarp and wanted to dig. There was only one shovel. This caused a little screaming from Stella, so Mamere had an idea. “Let’s go back home and get little shovels (trowels) and pots, and we can make plants.”
They loved the idea, so we hiked back home and got two trowels and two black plastic pots. The kids successfully dug some dirt and filled their pots. Unfortunately, there was a gathering of stinging ants near Leo, but he didn’t complain. It wasn’t until later that I noticed both of his hands covered in ant bites. Somehow when you are on a brave adventure, a little pain is to be expected and endured.
I happened to have an envelop of marigold seeds left over from last summer, so they were able to plant seeds as well as decorate their pots with clover flowers.
I know these childhood adventures are fleeting. I hope they will remember their visits to Mamere and Papere’s as times of fun, love, and safety. My daughter values our time with them because she had these moments with her grandparents. Those memories feel like dreams now as she manages a tough job and raising two smart, sassy, and curious kids. I’m exhausted after only a mere 24 hours. They’re totally worth it.
Reflections on the Teche 
What simple special moments and memories you are creating with your grandchildren. Your description of this weekend’s trip to the “mountain” captures so beautifully how children experience the world.
Right out of the Hundred Acre Woods, Margaret! Your piece read like a Winnie the Pooh story. I was expected the Tigger to jump out from the tarp. I love that Stella brought along her chair and then screamed for a shovel. You describe 3 so perfectly. Enjoy them. Write about them. I know you will!
Time with grandparents is such a treasure! The memories you are making with them, even the ant bites, are something special. I will be anxious for updates on the flowers they planted!
I love every bit of this memory-making adventure, excepting the ant bites. But what a great line: “Somehow when you are on a brave adventure, a little pain is to be expected and endured.” Love Leo’s courage and leadership, being older and taking charge. And Mamere’s wisdom in locating two little shovels. Yes, these childhood adventures are fleeting – I take every chance I can to spend time with my granddaughters. My son is good about it, like your daughter is, remembering the great joy of being with grandparents. I feel it’s one of my life’s greatest honors, stepping into those shoes.
It is a honor but I do know why you have your children when you are young.
-Preach!! lol
What a delight to read of this adventure with your grands! I found myself nodding in agreement to this line: “They’re totally worth it.”
Oh, yes, so very worth it. I love all the adventures you relate here and the photos that bring it all to life. Wow, Leo is so brave to deal with those ant bites without jumping up or running away from them. It sounds painful.
I’m always delighted to read one of your adventures with your grandchildren. You will definitely be my mentor if I ever am blessed with grandchildren! Your joy in them and in their wonder and curiosity about the world is so special.
This is so delightful – – children having fun outdoors, learning the ways of working together, and feeling the belonging that comes with tradition and security of times together. This is beautiful, Margaret.
What fun to have a mountain to close to climb! Love seeing the fun you created for them.
Lovely memories for them…and for you! I agree with you, time with grandkids is priceless. (And they grow up way too fast–mine just turned 8…already!)
This is so lovely, and I’m super impressed with Leo … I would not have been so casual about all those bites! I love the way adventures can be created out of such simple things. You’re making wonderful memories with them!