One of the best things about a family get together for me is meal times. I mean a proper meal where everyone sits at the table together and we chat, laugh sing or whatever as well as eat! No one is sitting with a plate in front of the TV, nor computer nor upstairs in their room; just enjoying family moments together over a nice meal.
This was the scenario last Sunday when we visited our two grandchildren, and after we’d played ourselves out with all the toys and books and things beforehand. We sat down to a lovely roast chicken with baked vegetables and gravy. Of course, we had the usual things with kids like getting excited and standing on the chair or trying to get them to eat what we think they should eat and not actually what the child wants to eat, but that is all part of bringing up a family.
Now the fun part for me was when it came to dessert. We had a little bowl of chocolates each (well mostly Maltesers), and a selection of fruit. I decided to have a little fun with William and made out I was going to pinch his bowl of Maltesers. Knowing full well my intentions, he pulled the dish well away from me chuckling “No, No” and “mine!” with a cheeky little smile and glint in his eye, and me trying to keep a straight face! So then I turned my attentions to Thomas, but he too pulled his dish away and pushed my hand back saying “These are not yours granddad, you’ve got your own!” while giggling at the same time.
Now a short time later, Thomas had to be excused to visit the loo, and while he was gone, I stole his dish and placed it right next to mine. On his return, he looked at the blank space and said “Where are my chocolates?”, and then with much exclamation, “Granddad!” which very definitely meant that I had to give them back followed by much laughter between us.
By the end of dinner, and some more playing, granddad began to get quite tired and ended up sitting slouched on the settee. Thomas seeing me like this, also decided that a rest was in order and he snuggled up under my arm and there we both were, stretched out on the settee, the best of playmates.
In that moment, Daddy popped round the corner, camera in hand, instructing us to say “cheese”. So, with a big long “cheeeeeeeeeese”, there was a flash, and another beautiful moment was captured for the family album. A moment which at some future point in time will be looked back on by some with fondness, maybe stumbled upon in a time of nostalgia with a feeling of love for those in the picture and, eventually, no longer with them.
Beautiful journal, and heart-warming post xx
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved reading this. :) And your sketchbook/journal is such a fantastic idea. What a great way to record the beauties of your life and hone your artistic skills.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your grandkids are lucky to have you.
I loved your story Frank. Visits like that are so special - with all the fun and laughs. The little sketches to remember the day are great. :)
ReplyDeletePat, thanks - grandchildren make you feel young again!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, having grandchildren is the most special thing. Both Thomas and William give my life a sense of purpose and I love them both very much. I think it is me who is lucky to have them! Thank you for the lovely comment.
Alice, yes these visits are always looked forward to, and it's funny how all your ailments seem to dissapear in the presence of children.
This is such a lovely post! I agree that mealtimes are such a important time for families to share their days - We always eat together too :0) And even better than the photographs will be these lovely little paintings you have done! What a great find they will be one day :0D I am just LOVING your journal entries Frank :0)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Maltesers? YUM! But, particularly YUM when broken up and sprinkled on vanilla ice-cream!
Your journal so clearly illustrates just how much you enjoy spending time with your grandchildren. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteSandra, you know yourself that we've done all this before with our own children, but when it comes to doing it all again with grandchildren, somehow it seems all the more special.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of having Maltesers sprinkled on ice-cream before - the next time we have ice-cream ...
Angela, these works are only quickies, but it is amazing how much pleasure you get out of doing them.
Lisa Bingley; Thanks for capturing the moment .... makes them even more specail xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story and great journal pages. I'm glad I found your blog (via Sandra)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, if these scribblings and others like it survive, our future family historians will have a much more interesting time looking up our family tree.
ReplyDeleteSuethanks for looking in and your lovely comment. I guess I have Sandra to thank too -she's one of my favourite bloggers.
wonderful sketches, love the journaling. grandchildren are absolutely the best.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Loved the story and the sketch! Funny, you commented that grandchildren make you feel young again...When my niece comes, she does make me feel young for a while, but by the time she leaves I am so worn out that I feel old!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Becky, there is hardly a day goes by without a thought comes into my head about my grandchildren :)
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when I read that last sentence Raena, so true! When they visit, the house gets turned upside down, then when they've left, there is a blitz to tidy everything up and put all the toys away, but that is a small price to pay for all the fun, excitement and love that they bring.