From Tornados to Whirlwind!

No, not like this one, and nothing like the ones that ocurred during April and May--the ones that made us take cover in the bathtub!

The one we experienced throughout Memorial Day weekend seemed more like this:

It all began on Friday, at 12:45 PM, when four kiddos arrived with big smiles, generous hugs and noisy excitement, over-joyed to spend the weekend with us.

First came lunch preparations, and then clean-up.  Second on the agenda was wild and crazy fun in the pool.  (It wasn't a time of quiet reflection.)  Those "blissful" moments were interrupted by a wasp sting for the 6-year old.  By the time I got him comforted, cared for, and quieted down, the others were also coming inside for protection against any further enemy attacks! 

So, then it was time to dry-off, re-dress, and deposit wet things in the tub.  All were a bit chilled from the cool pool, and subdued by the frightening experience of the littlest one. 

The next best thing was to cuddle them all into soft blankets and start one of their favorite Veggie Tale videos.  It didn't take long for the giggles to begin and the blankets to loosen their hold on them.  Thus ended another possibility of quiet reflection.

After the video, another round of noisy playtime ensued.  A table game was attempted with my full attention being requested by the small-fry, while the others pursued much noisier and more active forms of recreation. But, one-by-one, curiosity overtook their original focus, and soon it was a whole tableful of noisy players, arguing over the rules and competing for being right on who did what and shouldn't have!  So much for another attempt at an escape from noise-central. 

Almost as soon as the game was declared over, due to the futility of resolving conflicts, their much-adored "Grandpa" arrived on the scene, and I escaped to the grocery store.  Aaahhh...peace and quiet--well, at least peace, at last. 

Grandpa took the kiddos to the park to run off their pent-up tension and get their bodies back in action.  When I returned they had just gotten out of the pool--again--all refreshed and starving!  Pizza and salad, along with a choice of chips and juices kept them occupied (although not quiet) for awhile. 

After supper and clean-up, it was time for another video to quiet them down before bedtime.  Later, when we tucked them in to recharge their batteries, we heard not a beep nor a peep, for they were fast asleep--off in their own quiet dreamlands. Aaahhh, finally a time of peace and quiet reflection.  As we revisited the events of the day, we realized anew the joyful contentment and deep satisfaction we have found in the role of "grand-parenting".

Whrew!  That was just Day One of our four-day whirlwind! Guess I'll have to finish this epic tale later--time for me to get ready for work!

To be continued...