The Children Come To Visit

The children were here after Christmas and until New Years Eve.  We had a really good time. Caught up on all the little details that aren't conducive to email or quick phone calls. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with Ben.  When Molly calls he is usually at work but this time I got to spend some quality time with him.
As a fun thing to do one afternoon I went with Ben and Henry to the Military Museum up at the National Guard camp.  Henry is mad for tanks and they have a few.  He runs everywhere. I don't know how much is sinking in but he has a really good time.  We stopped over at Lincoln's tomb but I don't know how much of that imprinted on Henry. I wanted to give him a topic if his friends asked what he did over vacation.  I bet he will respond with "I went to see Nana and Poppy", which really isn't bad.  Oh well I can honestly say that I really miss them all. Having Molly and Ben here is really great, and I would welcome them anytime but the real bonus is the children.  Each of them is developing into individuals.  I am fascinated by the process.  Emmett is much more facile with his speech.  He used to  hesitate prior to getting a word out and now they just flow.  What an amazing process. Then there is Henry who has enough energy to solve any shortage that may occur.  He never seems to tire.  I get tired just watching him bound from one thing to another. These two act a bookends for Bridget who is so much like her mother it is scary.  I see Molly in Bridget all the time. There is Molly in Emmett and Henry but I think it is modified by the "y" chromosome.  I would have loved to see Ben as a child.  I think that Emmett got most of Ben.  Henry sometimes reminds me of me.  As to Bridget, what can I say.  She is just so special.  One evening near the end of the visit she had a blanket and came up to me, threw the blanket on my lap and announced, "snuggle time", climbed up and proceeded to do just that.
Bridget thinks Poppy is here to A) brush her hair B) provide candy and C) fulfill any wishes for cartoons on TV. Not a bad job as jobs come.
I hope that they get to come back in warmer weather.  We can have tons of fun outside.
I think that things will get a lot looser when I retire at the end of May and don't have to schedule around work. We will see how that develops.