Minutes after finishing Sunday dinner, I was bombarded with the same question:

Can you come play with us?

“Of course I can,” I replied, and off we went, down the stairs into the

playroom

family room

Larry Bird room

Man’s room

…   all the same place – but usually called “the basement” by you.

This time, I got smart.  Before joining in games of “dog catcher,” “knee hockey” baseball, and who knows what else, I gathered all of you up and said:

Before Papa can play, I need a photo of all of you together, looking at the camera.  Can you do this for me?

As soon as I finished speaking, you all gathered together around the sofa! I was amazed to see my seven samurai grandchildren do this without hesitation, without any crying, complaints or lack of cooperation.  It was amazing!  Getting a photo of you altogether with everyone looking at the camera at the same time is no small feat.

Thanks for cooperating, I love it!

Notice how almost everyone in this photo is doing something special? Camden is acting like a Red Sox player, Ainsley and Molly are playing dogs, Madigan is sticking her tongue out and Emma is pointing at Shrek who she added to the seven samurai group photo Ben and Jack are the only ones without special poses!

When you were little and lived with us you would often put on a show, using the green outer carpet strip in the Great Room as your “balance beam.”  As we’d watch, you’d bend your body into every imaginable position, spin around, lift legs and arms and work hard to stay on the beam.

At the beach every summer, for years now, you’ve enjoyed walking & balancing on the driftwood logs I line up in a straight row, followed by flat-topped rocks and boards.  That’s your beach balance beam.

You’ve always been coordinated, climbing everything at a young age (something your sister inherited from you) and fearless, unafraid to be upside down or moving fast.

Despite having the talent and interest, you haven’t been involved in any gymnastics class or school for a couple years.  That’s why I was happy when you told me you were now going to gymnastics at UNH in Durham, with Lucy from across the street, one of your best friends.

Hooray!

Grammy and I enjoyed seeing you do your thing at a recent gymnastics show at UNH. Despite having many parents  and guests there taking in the show, you were undeterred and unafraid, proud to display what you had learned.

Keep up the great work Ainsley and stick with it!