When not in the kitchen baking with Kezzie, or stuck in the computer’s photo booth with this young man, we have been off on mini-adventures to familiar places with our Up North family who came for a visit.
Ezra has grown so much since we last saw him. He amazes me with his burgeoning intellect, eagerness and inquisitiveness. His attention to detail astounds me as he carefully builds tracks for his Thomas engines and shows signs of reading readiness. He’s a charmer, for certain, and knows he “has me” with just a pleading look in his sky blue eyes. Life is full speed ahead with Ezra.
I remain smitten.
We visited the Morton Arboretum’s children’s garden on a sunny but brisk March afternoon. Kez & Ez explored the many features, including this rope challenge. I find it quite wonderful that places like the Arboretum have developed areas of their acreage for youngsters. Child-friendly, fun environments that bring children out into nature, developing respect for trees, flowers, animals, and all that our good earth provides.
Our adorable tree hugger, this bundle of energy brings so much joy to our lives.
Oh what memories you are making! Memories for you to store up for the quiet moments after they leave and memories for them of the love their grandparents have piled on them. The adventures are so much more meaningful than buying them a bunch of “stuff.” Although, I have been tempted to buy some “stuff” once in awhile myself. It’s a great time for grandparents.
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Thank you so very much, Janet. That means a lot to me – and I hope you are right and that they will have memories. I agree about buying “stuff”, though I have done it. They spent a good part of one morning playing with pipe cleaners! 🙂 How fun!
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. . . and yes! A great time for grandparents. 🙂
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What a delightful visit, Penny! I’m sure that when he isn’t busy hugging trees, Ezra is happily hugging his dear grandparents! The special family memories that you are making together will truly last a lifetime!
During every visit to the Arboretum, I just love to walk through the Children’s Garden (even though I never have children with me). I love walking through the treetops and looking for dragonflies at Wonder Pond. It’s a fascinating place for both kids… and kids at heart! 🙂 So glad that you were able to enjoy time there with Kezzie and Ezra! I always enjoy reading about your family visits, Penny! Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend! ♡
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I hope they do, Dawn. It is such a delight to have them here.
I love the Children’s Garden, too, and explore it with my inner child. The kids really seemed to enjoy the ropes and running up atop the treetops. Thank you Dawn. I hope you enjoy this weekend as well – and that it warms up a bit.
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This post has filled me with gladness Penny – for you, for your grandchildren (I wrote ‘glad children’!). So much love is being transmitted and passed on through the generations. You are certainly giving them some wonderful adventures and it’s great to see them growing up (so fast!). They are little charmers indeed.
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That warms my heart and makes me smile, Juliet. Thank you so much. I hope we are building memories – and know I am.
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I can certainly see why you’re smitten, Penny! How blessed you all are to spend quality time together and creating lasting memories. Thanks for sharing with us!
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You are very welcome, Jill. I appreciate you stopping by and you commenting. I so enjoy spending time with them – and hope the memories will stay with them.
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Kez & Ez have really grown. Nice to see these photos, Penny. Yes, the Arboretum is so lovely for kids. I hope they’ll get a chance to see the tree lights at Christmas there.
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They have, L. Marie. We last saw them at Thanksgiving and I kept asking them if someone was stretching them. 🙂 I hope the get to see Illumination at the Arb, too, I think this next year may be the last time. Thanks, L. Marie. Have a good day.
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Even we your blogging “family” can see how much Ezra has grown since you last shared a photo, Penny! The children are just beautiful and I love hearing the joy in your voice as you describe inquisitiveness and an eagerness for learning and adventure. As I often say when I hear a grandparent speak thus, “Oh! If only all children could experience this kind of loving attention!” I’m sure they enjoyed every minute of being at your home again and sharing such delightful time with you and their Papa. Your photos are really lovely!
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Thank you, Debra, and yes, indeed, Ezra has grown! He still sports that very childish look in his eyes and actions, but, I can already feel this stage morphing into the next. We enjoy each one as it is, don’t we? He asks me to take photos of him by trees. I think he’s figured me out. haha. Imagine our world if every child was loved “thus”?
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You have your own little “tree hugger” in the making. I love that, and I know you do, too! 🙂
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Such a joyful post! There are no better adventures than the ones you share with your grandchildren…. The children’s area at the Arboretum looks wonderful. And oh my goodness Ezra has grown! And those eyes …. yup, they would melt anyone’s heart, especially his YaYa I am sure.
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Thank you, Sallie, and yes he has! You know how fast this happens! Yikes. He is a bundle of energy and a sweetheart, too, and my heart melts all the time. This children’s garden is outstanding and Kezzie and Ezra have been there enough to want to go to it as soon as they arrive.
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I hope I got the word for your very special status correct…. should have looked it up.
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You did fine with it, Sallie. It is Yia Yia (but actually pronounced as you wrote it). Thanks for caring, my blogging friend. I appreciate it.
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Such a beautiful bond you are building with your grandchildren . They are learning that life is not about things , but experiences and people. I love your line” I am smitten”, all of us who have grandchildren know just what you mean.
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Thank you, Vickie. I hope so. I know you do the same with your darlings. After someone suggested we might enjoy the Kids Cooking Challenge on the Food Network, Ezra, Kezzie, Papa and I binged on it – for three hours! I was surprised that he was as attentive as his sister.
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Both of your grandchildren are adorable! I’m glad you had this time together!
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Thank you, Janet. It was a long time coming and much, much fun.
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