Magical moments with family

Kathleen Anderson

The afternoon sunshine of the past two days has been most welcome, and a lovely contrast to the chilly mornings that preceded them. So far, we have avoided the snow that has blanketed areas that are not accustomed to white coverings in their neck of the woods. 

I enjoy looking at the snow but rarely venture out into the snow anymore. The cold wet weather is not my friend. Still the beauty it creates brings me joy. 

The warmth and coziness of the indoors is where I spend most of the winter. Yet I am never bored. 

Some of the warmth comes from the kitchen where I bake more than usual, and the soups I create from leftovers. I read, spend time with Bella Rose, the smartest dog in my world, and watch the shenanigans of the squirrels and birds that still brave the cold, from my windows.  

We now have our first rooster; a beautiful but very aggressive bird who races to attack whoever comes to feed and water him and “his” hens. I am not quite sure how or if we will ever tame this creature. 

The great-grands live next door and visit daily. They are always fun. Three-year-old Willow has come to terms with the fact that his Granny is not too keen on playing hide and seek all over the house, so he instructs me to sit in my chair beside my bed while he hides under the blankets. He is always tickled when I find him. 

I often think of all the money spent on toys for little ones when the most precious gift we can give them is time and attention. And snacks … of course there must be lots and lots of snacks. 

Both Willow and my great-great grandson, Julian love to sing and I love to listen. All my great grands love art. Julian is especially fond of having me outline his hands on paper and then outlining my hand over his. It looks like we are holding hands and several of his pieces of art hang on my wall. 

Prairie has her mother’s artistic talent and is already quite good. She is also very creative. Her Nana recently brought home some valentine plates, cups and bowls for their table and the other day I found her outlining the heart on her plate with cheerios. Willow soon followed suit. 

Prairie is also very good at engaging the little ones. She has quite a bit of patience for a 6-year-old and happily takes over the hide and seek games when she is available. 

During the summer and certain holidays two more children belonging to my grandson-in-law, and now us, join our little village. They are a little older, 11 and 12, and are very good at keeping the younger ones entertained. It is interesting to watch the different ages mingle. 

Recently my son-in-law, better known around here as Papa, built an indoor gym for the kids in their playroom. They can climb, hang, swing on a rope, and safely fall onto cushions when they let go.  

They have a great outdoor playhouse at their home he built a few years ago, with a side of balance beams from fallen trees and old tires they can hop on and off. 

The weather never stops them from playing outdoors. Wrapped up in snow or rain suits, boots and hats, off they go without a care in the world. 

They also have sleepovers — sometimes here and sometimes at their house where Julian joins them. He is also 3 and he and Willow are great pals. 

I have grandchildren in their 40s and 30s and great grandchildren from 3 to their 20s and although many of them still live in California so far, I have never run out of babies. I hope this continues to be true. 

There is just something so magical about seeing things through their eyes for the first time that makes the whole world new again. 

Kathleen Anderson writes her column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.