The first time Rose visited her Ohio grandparents, she clung to me, nursed constantly, and finally deigned to walk around the kitchen holding Grammy’s hand on the last day. David was telling Grandpa Joe, “Walk! Walk!” and grabbing his hand so they could go investigate something together from the moment he got there.

Rose now adores being at her grandparents’ house. Her whining quotient dropped precipitously. Her highlights:

1. Mary Poppins. Both grandparents took turns reading the book to her. I don’t think I’d ever read it; it’s great.

2. Decorating her cake. I have pictures of her and Grammy in matching aprons.

3. Ice cream. It was 90 something and humid. We went out exactly once, to the ice cream store.

4. Talking about tickling with Grandpa Joe. “Grandpa Joe, you aren’t going to tickle me are you? You’re silly Grandpa Joe.”

5. Playing t-ball in the backyard and getting some serious hits.

6. Birthday presents. Well, of course. She got a few every day—colored pencils, jewelry making kit--new projects every day.

7. Lots and lots of attention.

David’s highlights

1. Playing t-ball in the backyard. Not as many hits, but any ball is good with David.

2. The sprinkler. Oh wow, both kids were hilarious filling up their buckets, dunking their heads in. David took two red shovels and played the streams like a musical instrument.

3. Birthday cake. It’s one of his new words, and he got to eat it with his very own fork.

4. Ice cream. David was bugging Rose, trying to play with the hotwheels. Rose got fed up with fending him off and said, “David, ice cream! Go get some ice cream over there!” David went charging into the kitchen. Rose knew darn well the ice cream wasn’t coming until after the dishes and a drive in the car. David eventually got his chocolate cone.

5. Chasing his sister around the circular pattern giggling and screaming with delight. Luckily, the grandparents were fully aware having the children visit is a noisy proposition.

6. Lots and lots of attention.