It was half term in the UK this week so I’ve been on grandparent duty. This truly is one of the best things about reaching retirement. I get to spend time with the children, doing what I want, and behaving as if I were a child again myself. And this includes drinking hot chocolate covered in cream and marshmallows. It was very sweet and utterly delicious!
Mainly what I want to do these days is walk by the sea, but sadly that is not an option when you live in the Cotswolds. So, the next best thing is to wander among the fields and streams, or the woods and hills, near my home. I am convinced that there has never been invented a toy or electronic gadget that can rival the outdoors for entertainment value. Of course, it helps if the weather is good, but even in a cold, wet February, there is fun to be had indoors and out.
I feel quite sorry for parents these days as their lives are ridiculously busy and they don’t often have the chance to just be with their children. I expect it was ever thus, but happily I choose to forget the hard times I had, and just remember the fun my children had.
As W H Davies pointed out in his wonderful poem
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare? –
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait til her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
So here are more pictures from my fun week with children for you to enjoy.
Heavenhappens 
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I am happy for the two generations. These kids will have fond memories of childhood. You are doing a great job Brenda.
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Ah thank you x I get so much pleasure from having fun with youngsters. My 3 year old granddaughter just announced she wants to start “ballerinering” , she is the funniest little girl you could ever meet but with such a strong character that I pity the dance teacher!
Sent by Brenda Kimmins
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Wow I hope we shall get to see a few pictures of lill ballerina.
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Oh I’m sure you will!
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My 4 Grandsons are all growing into fine young men – 19-23; and we still enjoy time together, although not as often as we once did. Nice post. Thanks
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I think grandparents are always fun to be around whatever age the grandchildren are. There is such an ease and innocence to the relationship based on the memories of what you did together when they were young.
I have two teenaged grandchildren whom I don’t see as often as I’d like, but when we get together they still enjoy the simple things we used to do.
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It looks like a perfect time with the grandchildren, with lots of time outdoors. The hot chocolate does look lovely. 🙂
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Yes the weather has been cold but we’ve had fun and the hot chocolate was perfect!
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I have always liked that poem. Your hot chocolate looks delicious. 🙂
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Oh it was after a very long, cold walk it was just perfect! I would never have bought it just for myself, but with children it seems ok!
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The hot chocolate looks delicious 🙂 It is good to enjoy ourselves with our grandchildren. I was with my daughter in Germany for two months, her daughter was born in November. I had great fun with my grandson and it was a pleasure to be with the baby too 🙂
Thank you for the lovely poem and for sharing the photos.
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Oh congratulations on your grandson. I have a grandson born in September in Madrid and I miss him so much x they really are a joy. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. I hope you see your little grandson again soon!
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