We never pass up the opportunity to spend time with our grandchildren. Now that they are getting older those times take on a different look. Take last night for instance. We spent the late afternoon and evening with our grandsons. In the past I would spend most of my time doing arts and crafts, building Legos, or watching dinosaur reenactments. Yesterday, I wasn’t sure if I should bring my “Mary Poppins Bag” (as my husband calls it) with my crafts supplies and various other activities along, but I did. I made sure I brought my tablet and Kindle Fire as well because that is usually something they ask for when I don’t bring them!

Much to my surprise neither boy asked for a tablet or device. We set up the craft supplies on the dining room table and started to discuss options. When the oldest, age 10, was called into the living room to help Pops, my husband, navigate the TV remote, he didn’t return until it was time to eat dinner. Instead he and Pops watched Dinners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network. I could hear Pops explaining what a “dive” was and P. asking Pops how he was enjoying his retirement (just two months now). I was a little sad that P. didn’t want to make crafts with N. (age 6) and Nona, but smiled at the more “grownup” conversations I could hear from the living room.

That sadness didn’t last long though because the crafting was going full steam in the dining room, and the question of was there enough glue on each piece of construction paper was serious business. N. made a leprechaun for himself and one for his big brother. He also made a scary pumpkin and a pipe cleaner spider even though Halloween is months away.

After dinner it was another screening of Finding Nemo complete with blankets, pillows, popcorn and M&M snacks. While we sat in complete darkness except for the light emanating from the TV screen, I couldn’t help to just take in the scene. These are the moments that bring me such joy, the moments that become priceless memories.

I am participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge sponsored by twowritingteachers.org.