A Georgia Girl in Germany

A summer trip back to Delaware just wouldn’t be complete without meeting up with my best friend Megan and our families, and this year was no exception. In fact, when Megan told Lauren about the impending get-together, Lauren replied, “Oh yeah, it is time to see MacKenzie again!” Between their busy summer schedule, and my much-needed shopping excursions, Megan, Dave and their brood made the trek to Delaware. It’s amazing how much the kids grow each year, yet how they all seem to get along from year to year. Here they are all enjoying dessert on the back patio (clockwise from left): Lauren, 10; Jacob, 6, Bridget, 3; Zachary 12½ ; MacKenzie, 10; and Benjamin 5.

MacKenzie and Lauren really hit if off well each summer -- must be that their moms were such great friends growing up...and that they’re only 9 days apart in age. Lauren had been learning how to make friendship bracelets and brought her supplies so the two of them could make some while catching up.

What better way for Megan and me to catch up with each other than working on our own friendship bracelets alongside our daughters. I was amazed at how easily it all came back to me 20-some years after I first learned to make the bracelets -- almost like riding a bike (once you learn, you never really forget)!

Jacob and Benjamin definitely had more energy than the other kids, and spent a good bit of time jumping around to the “Monster Mash” tune blaring on the jukebox and yelling “Monster Mash” in rhythm with each other. Too cute, and very much two little boys!

By the end of the evening, MacKenzie and Lauren each had new bracelets to wear until they see each other again next year. MacKenzie even found her own friendship bracelet kit while shopping the next day, and has been making more bracelets since then. What a wonderful and memorable pastime.

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Stateside visits, Zachary

A few months ago, Zachary decided he wanted to set up a lemonade stand and earn some summer spending money. When he and MacKenzie talked about his idea with Nana, she suggested a slight variation on the lemonade stand -- since Nana and Papa always seem to have a plentiful garden each summer, she offered some of her bounty for them to sell. Of course, they were excited about the idea!

Somewhat early on a Saturday morning, they got up and began making their marketing posters. One of Nana’s friends had offered up the use of her front yard since she lives on a semi-major thoroughfare, so they loaded up the back of the suburban with peppers, cucumbers, carrots scallions and several varieties of tomatoes and were on their way.

One of their first customers enthusiastically hopped out of his truck and asked them what they had that he didn’t have in his garden. The answer: rainbow carrots. MacKenzie helped him pack some up and off he went.

During the lulls in business, they sat along the curb and waved at drivers as they went by. Most people waved back, several cars slowed down to look, and one even honked at them.

This lady was on her way to the local farmer’s market to get some fresh produce, so this was a perfect opportunity for her to help out the budding philanthropists ... and she saved money on gas by not having to drive as far. Her haul: small pear and cherry tomatoes, medium-sized lightening and traditional tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Between moving the tables around to keep everything in the shade and tending to customers, Zachary ate into his potential profits -- literally! He’s a tomato-holic, and munched on several handfuls of pear and cherry tomatoes.

Before too long, Papa encouraged more munching -- this time by peeling and slicing up some of the carrots. No matter the color, they all tasted the same. Rainbow carrots come in a variety of colors (hence the “rainbow” name), even from the same seed pack.

Three hours after setting up shop, they had sold almost everything except the tomatoes (they had way more tomatoes than anything else!) and were ready to come home for lunch and to share the news about their profits. They made $32 total -- $16 each. I was surprised that neither of them had holes burning in their pockets waiting to spend the money...they both said they were going to save their money for a later purchase. Wow! What entrepreneurs!

Labels: MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary

When we made it to Delaware for the second half of our stateside visit, we intended to do a little shopping and a lot of relaxing. We recuperated from the long drive our first full day there, but by the second evening were ready for a relaxing cookout at the house of some of Nana and Papa's friends. Since my kiddos were the only kids younger than college age there, they had the pool to themselves -- and what fun they had!

MacKenzie enjoyed not having to wear a life vest like when she went swimming with her summer camp. We also brought some soaker balls and a water frisbee to add some variety to their pool time fun.

The boys really got along well in the water, and Zachary was a good sport as Benjamin chased him around the pool.

What an innovative way for Benjamin to use the noodles! It gave him quite a bit of mobility and freedom of movement. He really kicked hard to propel himself around the pool!

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Stateside visits, Zachary

Each morning when we were in Georgia, Papa had to pass Rachel’s inspection. She’d carefully feel his neck, cheeks and upper lip for any trace of rough hairs. She doesn’t like giving him hugs and kisses when his face is rough (and Nana appreciates the incentive for him to shave).

If -- and only if -- he passes inspection, he gets the best payment of all -- a huge hug from his granddaughter!

Labels: Nana and Papa, Stateside visits

Granny Walker is doing very well, and it’s great to see her each year when we get back to the farm. I think she enjoys our visits, and especially seeing how much her Quarno grandkids are growing.

She was introduced to Andrew this summer, and he seemed to take to her pretty well. Just after I snapped this photo, he leaned over and reached out to her, and she readily took him in her arms.

Of course, half the fun was watching the kids play. Andrew enjoyed crawling around the room.

The next day, MacKenzie took my camera and snapped off several candids. She got a great shot of Granny! Doesn’t she look wonderful?

Finally, a photo of Zachary and me when he wasn’t making a face at the camera (it took four tries and a few stern words -- I suppose it’s his age).

And a nice shot of Nana -- smiling and with her eyes open (prerequisites for a good photo of her!).

What a wonderful candid of Papa! It just goes to prove that you can be young at any age!

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary

Zachary and MacKenzie started school yesterday, and both had good days. They both decided that they wanted me to drive them to school instead of taking the bus, and I obliged since it’s a new school in a new town. However, we did drive by the bus stop so they could see where to go this morning.

MacKenzie is now in the 5th grade (look how tall she is standing next to Zachary!) and said her teacher talked, and talked, and talked, and talked -- all day. It reminded me of listening to Lealane and Hannah compare notes about their first day of school in front of the classroom each year and how their voices are always tired by the end of the day. I’m sure MacKenzie’s teacher felt much the same!

Zachary is now in the 7th grade, and has what we both think is a great schedule. He’s in 8th grade math (pre-algebra), and I think he’ll do wonderfully with it. He also got two of his top electives: German and video production. I fully expect him to translate for us and be in charge of our video camera when we travel now. Apparently video production is one of the classes that’s highly coveted (read: FUN) but that many people don’t get because of class size limits. Woohoo!

After school, they walked together to the on-base youth center until I got off work. I don’t think they liked that as well as I had hoped (“boring,” had to buy their own snacks, “small,” etc). I asked them to give it a few days/weeks before deciding flat-out that they don’t like it. Cross your fingers!

When I picked them up, they both asked if I’d take them to Baskin Robbins for a first day of school treat (actually, they asked me first thing this morning too). I told them we’d drive by, and only stop if there was a parking spot. It wasn’t looking promising with the after-work traffic, but lo and behold, a parking spot opened up just before we drove past. They were excited!

Labels: MacKenzie, Zachary

Zachary and MacKenzie started school today, but Benjamin doesn't start until next week (he's in Berlin this week with Matt and his folks). I tried uploading a few photos, but am not having luck with my free trial of a wireless provider (no DSL or cable-based internet in my village...grrr). So, until I can get the first day of school photos loaded, enjoy more photos from our trip to Georgia earlier this month.

Lealane and Brian invited us over for an afternoon swim in their pool, and the kids were excited about the opportunity. Andrew was left out of the fun since he needed to stay home and take a nap. Maybe next time.

Papa, Lealane and Owen even came outside to enjoy the warm summer afternoon.

Olivia really likes her pool, especially when her daddy is there with her.

See, I’m not the only one who takes lots of photos! (However, I haven’t seen any pool photos on Lealane’s blog this summer.)

It’s great to see my kiddos getting along so well. I try look back on moments like this during those times when they get on each others’ nerves and annoy each other to no end -- it reminds me that when all is said and done, they really do get along and take care of each other.

After a while, Owen came inside and chilled out in his bouncer. I don’t think I heard a single sound from him during our entire visit! What a calm baby!

After a long day of playing at home and swimming at Lealane’s, Benjamin was tired out! I think jet-lag may have played a small part of it too, but nonetheless, he fell asleep in the middle of the action, in the middle of the den floor. At least he was ready for bed before conking out.

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary

I remember what a great time I had as a kid getting together with my cousins -- it was always a special time. We may not live close to David and his family, so we get to see each other much less frequently than I’d like. But that didn’t stop our kids from getting along magnificently this summer!

Andrew was cutting teeth, so wasn’t always in a good mood -- but he seemed to enjoy this cuddle time with Zachary. I think Zachary liked being the big cousin here.

Rachel and Benjamin were inseparable at times. They enjoyed watching the kitty that showed up at Granny’s house shortly before we arrived there. He had fleas, so they were good about not petting him, but still had fun watching him and running around with him.

Again, they were inseparable in the yard, whether it was running around the utility room, running with the kitty or standing on an old piece of wood.

MacKenzie liked being able to help take care of Andrew (when he wasn’t fussing about his new teeth). She was a big help when we were getting everything ready to head over to Uncle Sam’s and Aunt Gail’s for the reunion. Andrew was strapped in his seat and ready to go, except for needing his bottle. MacKenzie willingly obliged.

Everyone had fun playing in the inflatable ball pit, although we often had to remind the bigger kids that it wasn’t really big enough for them to move around in there when a smaller kid was with them. They were pretty good about looking out for each other to make sure no one got hurt. It didn’t take Andrew long to figure out how to crawl out of there on his own and scoot away, so we had to keep an eye on him. He looks so relaxed here -- what fun!

When Rachel decided she wanted to work on some puzzles, Zachary the puzzle-master immediately stepped in to help her out.

MacKenzie was a great help when Aunt Leslie was feeding Andrew. They’d double-team him -- one with cereal or fruit and the other with veggies. He couldn’t complain that his food wasn’t coming fast enough!

Rachel and Benjamin discovered the piano and banged out a few tunes together. They’d even take turns and let each other play short solos too. They really got along well.

Rachel had her first taste of Oreos on this trip, and enjoyed dipping them in milk while sitting in Nana’s lap. What a great vacation snack!

No trip to the farm would be complete without the baby getting a bath in the kitchen sink, and this year it was Andrew’s turn. MacKenzie was right in there with Aunt Leslie helping clean his hair.

He sure looks like he’s having fun!

Rachel and Benjamin kept finding different things to do -- they were never bored! They changed the rules for their own version of Junior Scrabble -- they simply covered the letters on the board as they found the corresponding tile. It was a much more efficient way to play, and still helped them learn their letters.

They even made up their own jumping game. They must have jumped off these stools for 15 minutes! They’d jump together. They’d jump one after the other. They even let their stuffed animals have turns jumping! What a way to tire them out before bedtime!



I think Rachel and Benjamin really resemble each other, and it’s obvious in this photo. What cuties!

In typical boy fashion, Benjamin squirmed away when Rachel tried to give him a kiss.

David, Leslie, Rachel and Andrew left the day before the rest of us, heading back to Texas, so Zachary had to get one more hug from Andrew.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a photo of Papa, enjoying some play and cuddle time with Andrew.

MacKenzie and Rachel had to get in one last game of Woodkins before Rachel left. Rachel loved dressing up the wooden dolls for different occasions (play time, bed time, even as a wedding party!).

I couldn’t resist adding this photo of all five of the Quarno grandkids, taken when we visited Granny Walker.

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary