But no photos! A few years ago, I simply stopped photographing my visits with grands, because we were having so much fun. I found myself missing out on great experiences because I was the photographer. I ended up with lots of photos of Bruce with the grands, but none of me with the children, so I simply put the camera down and enjoyed the children.
Last week Julia drove up with her little group. Once again our trails came alive with peals of laughter and shouts to 'follow me!' We reviewed the weather forecast, and spent the first day, the hottest, around here. We went to Caesar's Creek, which has a magnificent playground and Visitors' Center, had a picnic in their shelter, then on to Fort Ancient for a tour of their indoor/outdoor museum. Such a coincidence, it was the summer solstice, which explains some of the locations of the mounds. They swam in the pond and fished for the rest of the afternoon. We also visited Susan Case, our farm neighbor, who let the children feed her horses. The second day, still hot, we went to the zoo, and then on to Kings Island for the last day. We had threats of rain the whole time, but the humidity, temperature, and sunshine were incredible at KI. May I add that everyone of our grandchildren, including the Dalrymples, whom we'll visit in July, is a roller coaster enthusiast, and I hope that we can continue to ride along side them. Oh, and I did snap a few photos.
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| The squash had been growing so fast that we thought it would be a great 'before' photo for the triplets' arrival. Grace insisted on being in the photograph, and was such a good companion for the children. |
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| Our 'after' photo at the end of their three day visit. Who would have thought that squash grows as quickly as grandchildren? |
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| The children enjoyed the wonderful playground at Caesar's Creek, and the fantastic indoor and outdoor museum at Fort Ancient. When our Dad was a young man, he and Frankie Chapman would ride their bikes from Middletown to Fort Ancient, camping under the stars with a can of beans and a blanket. |
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| Fishing is always a big draw at Camp Colegate, as is checking for eggs in the hen house. |
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| We outlasted the grands at the Cincinnati Zoo, and almost at Kings Island. We did not accompany them on each and every ride, as Julia did, but we did ride quite a few rides with them, including roller coasters. We probably enjoyed the White Water Canyon Ride most of all. So peaceful and enjoyable, until the last major dousing. Believe that signage at the beginning of the ride, "You will get wet!" |
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| Julia has requested a painting of her favorite view at Lake Rabun. What a grand assignment for me, as I love Lake Rabun as much as anyone. I had already picked up the canvas and frame, so that Julia could give final approval, and so that the children could prime the canvas. I took a photo of each child priming their 'third' of the canvas. I'll tuck the photos into an envelope and apply that to the back of the canvas. That way we can all say we had a hand in painting Julia's favorite scenery of the Lake. |
