One of the best adventures we can have as grandparents comes as we learn to see life through the eyes of our grandchildren. The more we learn to see and walk in their shoes, so to speak, the wider the window of opportunity opens for us to experience the world as they do. As grandparents, we can re-enter those uncomplicated, carefree days of our own childhood, as we remember, not only how to play, but how to see through the lenses of our grands the discovery of simple pleasures. Many of these simple pleasures are found in the backyard.
This week, as I was gazing out of the big living room window, a Goldfinch landed on the birdfeeder to gather it's morning ration of Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. Mia entered the room and was immediately filled with excitement and joy as she exclaimed, "Nana, there is that beautiful yellow chirping bird and look, there is the 'chickmunk!'" Both of these sightings have become routine occurrences for us but that day her exuberance over these sightings stirred my soul in a fresh way, and somehow that yellow chirping bird and the "chickmunk" were more beautiful than ever! Sometimes, when we are all grown up, we tend to take what is commonplace for granted.
As a grandparent, you most likely have the means to help scaffold your little grand's discovery as you help him/her learn some interesting facts about Goldfinches and chipmunks (chickmunks) or whatever you see in your yard that excites your grand. You never know what you might learn, as well. As you spend time together, make an effort to keep the wonder fresh as you point out color and texture of things in the world around you, The possibilities are endless. Finally, pray that God will use these childhood experiences to reveal Himself to your grands through the wonder of creation (Romans 1:20).
Today we had fun building a bug pod and collecting some interesting tenants, such as beetles, spiders, worms, squash bugs, crickets, roly poly and lightening bugs.
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| Completed bug pod |
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| Building the bug pod |
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| Roly Poly |
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| Lightning Bug |
While going on a spider scavenger hunt where we looked for spiders and webs under the porch, in the shed, and under flower blossoms, we found an enormous spider web in the Azalea bush, complete with a mummified bug. What a sighting!!
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| PJ made his with cream cheese. |
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| Mia used peanut butter |
Guess what the grands made for snack? - Spiders!!!
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| Ty's was too precious to eat! |
Just use two round crackers or rice cakes, fill with peanut butter or cream cheese, attach pretzel sticks or chow mein noodles for legs and add raisins or mini M&M's for eyes. YUMMY!!
Today we played:
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| Cup and ball catch |
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| Ping-pong pitch |
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Sponge Races
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After reading Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk, the grands made their own bugs with recycled materials. We call these our MacGyvers! For more information about how to make MacGyver boxes visit:
www.tinkerlab.com
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Today was the story about Joseph!
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Pops has been using this book to help dramatize Bible Stories.
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It's Grand to Be a Grand! |
One of the best adventures we can have as grandparents comes as we learn to see life through the eyes of our grandchildren. The more we learn to see and walk in their shoes, so to speak, the wider the window of opportunity opens for us to experience the world as they do. As grandparents, we can re-enter those uncomplicated, carefree days of our own childhood, as we remember, not only how to play, but how to see through the lenses of our grands the discovery of simple pleasures. Many of these simple pleasures are found in the backyard. 
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