Play Makes Everything Work Better
Our annual two-week Grandma Camp just ended. We had a marvelous time working and playing together with our 11-year-old and 5-year-old grandchildren. And one of life’s powerful lessons that I relearned yet again is that everything is more fun, efficient, and productive if play is involved.
Beach outings to walk the dog have to involve getting wet even when the water temperature is 50 degrees F. and the air is barely 5 degrees higher than that.
Jaden and Sasha braving chilly spring Puget Sound waters
Planting the spring garden peas is super fun if you arrange the soaking peas with some artistry.
Soaking different kinds of peas before planting and keeping them organized
Hiking is always about climbing to the top of something or turning beach logs into playground equipment.
Highest point on Whidbey Island
Every beach fort needs to be climbed
A beach teeter totter is an easy construction
Stacking wood requires one “scout” to run ahead and clear the pathway of all deer and another “scout” to clear the woodshed of all squirrels.
No aliens or bad guys around. Quick, stack the wood!
Even working in the kitchen involves the play of artistically arranging all the ingredients before stirring.
Making granola is about cool art
We miss them already. When we head out to the garden today, we will have to figure out a game to make weeding fun!
Maga (Lt. Dipper), Jaden (Capt. Rock), Sasha (Spy Girl), and Nina (Major Boulder) resting from their duties for a photo
We want to go to Grandma Camp! Jaden and Sasha will remember these special times all of their lives. We loved seeing the photos of Sally, the kids, and the two grandmas. We bet Gracie is all worn out. Maybe the two grandmas are also. May your fond memories sustain you all until your next visit.
Love,
Mom and Kathy
Beautiful photos. How wonderful to teach that work can be fun and artistic. Chop wood, carry water, arrange peas.
Dear Lt. Dipper and Major Boulder,
An inspiring job well done! Mission accomplished. Now rest…
With my 7 year old recently, two hours were passed hiding an egg from me and laughing a lot while I clowned around trying to find them over and over and over and……ah, simple joys!
Love,
Sara
Oh, lovies! Aren’t they such fun?!!
What a wonderful tradition you have created together. Thanks for sharing Grandma Camp with us. I imagine that you will be sharing stories and laughter for many years to come. Blessings to all of you!
Jude
The sort of memories that last a lifetime and keep on giving waaayyy into the future. Awesome!
AMEN to play and fun! May these lovely grandchildren hold onto this part of their “child” forever. What a gift and good teaching they offer naturally by just being who they are. Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder!!
Luckiest grandkids ever! What a gift they are in your lives, and what a blessing you are in their lives. Beautiful times and treasured memories.