2005 - FALL



IT WAS NEVER BORING!

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sherry and I kept each other company outdoors while the boys, dressing the part when possible, were active as indians on the warpath or good guys in search of robbers.

Two Braves The Good Guys
Water sprites

Kelsi and Sophia are affectionately known to us grandmas as Pete and Repeat.  Whether it was the boys or the girls, however, where you found one, you found both.

In mid-August, Brett flew in from San Diego planning to rest, play with the kids and ride his bike.  There was little relaxation for him, however, since, as anyone with children knows, when they are awake, so are the grownups.

One day was spent visiting the Akron Zoo.  School was back in session, so crowds were gone and it was as though we had the Zoo to ourselves.

 A day at the Akron Zoo
Sophia and Brett Brandon and Brett


Brandon and Sophia were invited to a birthday celebration for one of Sherry's granddaughters.  A nearby amusement park offered bumper boats, miniature golf and go-carts in the list of activities.  The weather was ideal and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by kids and adults.

The Girls Bumper Boats - Terry and Brandon

Kelsi and Sophia were too young for some activities but found riding the mini carousel entertaining.

Grandpa Terry bravely agreed to share the bumper boat with Brandon who was reluctant to go alone.



Kindergarten-school picture

Brandon began kindergarten the end of August and adjusted quickly.  He's already encountered a bully on the school bus.  Brandon and his dad talked about how to handle the situation and Matt told him to stand up to the boy.  And sure enough, when the bully hassled him again, Brandon did as Matt told him: He literally stood up and the bully backed down.

Sophia is short for her age: she and Kelsi who is a year younger are the same height.  Sophia's about six inches shorter than a playmate who is the same age.  You could say she's doll size.

 Sophia with Dolls


Brandon and Sophia at the Park

Fall arrived slowly and made visits to the park inviting.



I've belonged to an internet writers' list since its inception over five years ago.  We have evolved into a neighborhood of friends who, instead of chatting over backyard fences as our parents did, chat via our computers.  Periodically members meet.  The latest get together was in mid-October and was the first I've attended.  Dubbed the P1 'Rama, it was held in honor of Peter (aka P1), a list member from Sydney, Australia, who was visiting various cities in the US.  One of his stops was in Bloomington, Indiana.  Those of us who could met there at the home of Julie, yet another list member.

Changing color

The weekend was like every family reunion should be.  Each arriving person was welcomed with bear hugs and broad smiles.  We talked and laughed from arising in the mornings to late in the evenings.  Saturday brunch was at Bloomington's Runcible Spoon, the namesake of our parent list.  Then it was off to visit the local farmers' market followed by an afternoon hike into the woods near Julie's home.  I realized on the drive back to Massillon that although I've belonged to the list since its inception, there'd been a gap in the circle.  That space closed as I spent time with this group of witty, charming, accepting folks.  Now I look forward to a time when all of us can be together to celebrate the amazing relationship that makes us closer than many families related by blood.

Outside the Spoon - Pam, Sachet, Gloria, Mike, Julie, Al (Gloria's husband), Andy with Peter in front Into the woods - Al (Gloria's husband) Sachet, Gloria, Pam, Andy, Julie, Mike, Matt and Wolfie)

Pam, Sachet, Gloria, Mike, Julie, Ed (Gloria's husband), and Andy (Julie's son), surround Peter.

Al (Gloria's husband), Sachet, Gloria, Pam, Andy (Julie's son), Mike, Matt (Laura's/Wolfie's son) and Laura.

Copyright ©2005  Kitty Park