Family Togetherness Day

Day before yesterday, we had a good family day with children. My daughter and five of my six grandchildren visited, four boys and one girl. The only one not present was my oldest grandson, who is 16, and has a job this summer. My daughter and her three boys live in Jefferson Parish just outside of New Orleans, and the other two live here in Thibodaux. I wish I could show pictures, but my policy is not to publish pictures of members of my family.

When my daughter wasn't here by 12:45, Grandpère became grumpy, because it was way past his deadline of 12:00 to eat lunch. What can I say? His deadline is not everyone's deadline. I'm more a go-along type. I had to persuade him not to go ahead with the two grandchildren who were here but to wait for the rest to arrive. He's like a child when his best-laid plans are frustrated, especially his meal plans. I'm sorry to say that, but it's the truth.

After my daughter arrived, we headed to a local pizza restaurant (not a chain) which serves good pizzas and other Italian food. We settled the children into a booth, and we three adults sat at a table nearby. The booth kept the children confined, except for the two on the ends and various goings and comings to the rest rooms. One of the little ones has a restaurant food anxiety, so he made three trips thinking he might have to throw up. Poor baby. I hope this anxiety phase passes.

Once we returned home, the kids had a spirited game of Twister, with made-up orders to touch certain colored circles with the eye, the ear, the nose, the little toe, etc. Then they went upstairs. Upstairs usually means trouble, because they are far out of sight and sound, and they're too often up to mischief. We gave them a while, and then I went up, and it was total chaos. Two jumping on the bed, two having a rough wrestling match on the floor, and my granddaughter taking in the violent scene. I calmed them down, and stayed a while with them, but it was no longer as much fun with me there.

We trooped downstairs, and they all went out into the yard. Thanks be to God. The sky was overcast, with the temperature not too high, a great day to be outdoors. We have a wonderful back yard, and our dog Diana was delighted to run with them. Two large oaks reign in majesty, one tree good for climbing, a challenge, but not too great a challenge. It has three four large branches with crooks for safe (more or less) sitting or standing. Prayers for no one to fall, and no one falls. We have a large hammock in the yard, too. They took turns nicely, until all five ended up in the hammock at the same time. We handed out Popsicles, with Diana getting her share of licks from those that fell off the sticks or dropped on the ground.

Then, back in the house with my daughter and her three sons preparing to leave. All five begged to spend the night, which would have had to be without their parents, since my son and daughter both had commitments the next day. The last time we had a slumber party, it was rough on Grandpère and me. We had a difficult time getting them settled, but finally got them down after running up and down the stairs several times to quiet them. The next morning, when we went upstairs, all five were sound asleep in one queen-size bed, some facing one way, and some the other. When they woke up, we asked them why, and they said they got scared in the middle of the night and decided they'd all sleep together.

By that evening, I was exhausted, and I said, "I'm sorry, kids, I love you, but not tonight". They begged, but I stood firm. I was not prepared for them and not up to having them that night. I truly love them all dearly, but I was ready for peace and quiet.

UPDATE: I added a picture of the climbing tree.