(Cameron and Grammy having a picnic by the river)















(With sweet Kayla)

(Written last week, but I couldn’t get on-line to post)

Today we played with our grandchildren in Kentucky. First Craig and I took Kayla for a walk around the neighbourhood. She is a dainty little thing, nearly a year old, with a sweet personality. She watches her big brother and imitates just about everything he does. Whenever she hears some one laugh, she joins in. And her laugh is so cute that it’s contagious and so we all end up laughing. I think she liked having our full attention this morning and we sure enjoyed giving it to her.

When we picked up Cameron from pre-school we went to the river for a picnic. The day was perfect—the air had the feel of spring, with a slight breeze that was present but not distracting. Three-year-old Cameron joined Granddad in throwing sticks into the river. They were joined by a large black Retriever who did what he was born to do—by bounding into the water to fetch one of the sticks. Then the pup (I’m sure this dog was a youngster because he bounced with great exuberance) came up on shore and shook violently, sending a light shower of dirty river water on both boys. Now, this puppy didn’t have the slightest idea that Granddad isn’t a real fan of furry four legged animals of any kind. He just shook joyfully, rolled in the grass and then stood and looked around for some more fun.

By this time, Cameron had stooped and picked up another stick but before he could turn and throw it in the river, his new playmate rushed up behind him—front paws lifted—trying to invite our grandson to frolic. Cameron didn’t see the puppy coming, and it happened so fast there wasn’t time to shout out a warning, the dog knocked Cameron to the ground. He was startled but unhurt and at that moment the puppy’s owner, who was watching from the distance, yelled, “Come!” and off when the wet, blackhaired, four-legged-friend.

Granddad quickly scooped up our little guy saying, “The doggie wanted to play with you.” I think he might have been thinking something less positive.

Later, Cameron told his Daddy, “The dog jumped on me.”

Next, we raced up the hill with some wild flowers. Cameron presented these to his Mommy who was pushing Kayla in a baby swing. “Happy Birthday Mommy. I got you some flowers.”

These are two wonderful little people and they add such joy to our lives. It is such a blessing to know them. I’m just sad that we don’t live nearer to them, for I know from firsthand experience that when your back is turned, and you’re busy doing other things, time can sneak up behind you and knock you down and before you can right yourself, it runs off, taking your children into adulthood.