The Fabulous Fourth!

As I haven't been around our Montessori kids since school let out one month ago, I will blog about my own kids, which are my grandkids. My first grandchild was born when I was in my very early 30's and it always took some explaining as to how I could possibly be a grandmother at such a young age. My stepson and his wife are only 9 years younger than myself, married young and blessed my husband and me with our first grandson, Evan, now 12. As I get older, though, people are no longer perplexed to hear I have 5 grandkids, darn it!

My husband Andy's son, John, his wife Jennifer, their 3 boys and our only granddaughter, who is the child of Andy's daughter, Jenni, loaded up in their custom RV and headed down to Ten Mile Lake at Lakeside, OR, where my husband has built a beautiful cabin. John and Jennifer (J and J) set up camp at the marina/resort where we keep our boat. Our cabin is across the lake with no road access and sleeps 4 adults comfortably (it's when those adults are awake and walking around that the cabin feels uncomfortably small!) so this gave us all some space. Their RV is customized to accommodate their middle son, Garrett, who has Angelman's Syndrome. People with this somewhat rare disorder share some traits. Many, like Garrett, are severely delayed. Garrett is 11 and non-verbal. They may have some delays and difficulties with motor skills such as walking and often have digestive problems. On the plus side, many, like Garrett, are very sociable and super-handsome! Interestingly, a common trait is a passion for water, which is Garrett's favorite! Sleeping problems are also common, so Garrett's bed in the RV keeps him confined so he doesn't get up to to much mischief in the night!

So there we were, Andy, me, J and J, Evan (12), Garrett (11), Paige (10) and Camden (7) spending the holiday together. The first night we were all there, we walked to a nearby pub where the children were allowed out on the deck. We enjoyed pizza al fresco and toasted a wonderful weekend. Evan, Paige and Camden spent the night with us at the cabin. We felt Garrett was better off in his own lair. The 3 other kids all snuggled down into a convertible futon in the living room, along with our cocker spaniel, Sophie and much giggling, tickling and snuggling ensued. After breakfast the next day and many, many cups of only-half-consumed cocoa, the rest of the family boated over for fun in the sun.

Everyone had such a great time! I, because I kept the meals simple and had all these kids to help me! There are 70 steps from the pier to the cabin, so I was more than happy to let a willing volunteer run down and take Grandpa his fishing worms! Andy, who has been working out of town for awhile, was thrilled to be surrounded by his progeny. John enjoyed the water sports and giving us all a good ribbing. Jennifer was occasionally able to have a conversation or even a cocktail relatively undisturbed because the children were so well-entertained and well-supervised. Evan was enjoying his cousin Paige's and brothers' company and alternated between catering to them and teasing them. Evan is sort of a sports superstar and was always eager to get out on the water. Paige called myself, and at another time, her Aunt Jennifer aside for some private girl talk. She lives in another town and was clearly delighted to be with all of us again. Camden, the 7 year old, was so entirely quotable throughout our time together. He said so many cute things! He learned some of the finer points of Yahtzee from brother Evan, "faced his fears" (his words) and learned to tube and every time he saw an airborn firework shot off by a non-professional, said "that's illegal!" Camden wants to be a police officer, inspired by his committment to justice and interest in shooting. I think, though, that Garrett enjoyed himself most of all. At several points over the holiday, he got to sit in a big, round tube. His mom and dad splashed water into the tube and set it afloat on the lake surface, tied it to the dock and set Garret in it. Garrett was sitting in water, floating on water, looking out at the water and splashing in the water. Oh, yes, and his second favorite thing is fireworks and we went to a big display that night! At one point, I think he transcended and entered Nirvana!

That was a holiday I will never forget. The feeling was happy and carefree and we felt lucky to be in such a beautiful place and with each other. I wish all of you even an hour like that this summer.

Best regards,
Doni