I recently spent three days at Maple Ridge , B. C. Canada where I visited my 12 and 14 year old grand daughters. I don't see them very often so the visit was special. I made up my mind on short notice when I would go. As a result, they could not rearrange schedules but that was alright as I wanted to see other things as well.
These girls are high level cheer leaders. Cheer leading is a combination of dance and gymnastics. The girls are in the top level so practices are 3 hours long.
I had a good look at the activities kids participate in and saw more details than with the kids on my street.
These kids were invited to a birthday party which was to run from 1:00 PM Sat to 8;00 PM Sun. The birthday party was for one of their fellow cheer leaders. Cheer leaders come from a vast area to this particular school. These kids make very close friends in this activity. Mothers had made the arrangements and they don't know each other very well. The kid's mother went out of town on short notice and left the kids with Dad and the job of taking the kids to the party.
This is where it gets very different. First the address couldn't be found. Phones? One kid phones her mother. Mother says I just forwarded what I got. The other kid phones her friend. After many phone calls the address was found. Now , nobody was at home. My son was ready to head for home with the kids. He didn't like the look of the place. Finally someone showed up and the kids were left.
Now this place was 40 km (25 mi) from their home? So my point is that these kids have a circle of friends from a wide area. It's difficult for kids and parents.
Now the long truck ride was fun. There's always an electronic device in the hand. Play games for a minute. Text somebody for a minute. Phone somebody. Read messages. It's constant. Poor old Grandpa had to butt in to communicate! The kids are good and do like real conversations.
They also have a wicked sense of humor. Since it was the day before Father's Day I asked what they had planned for Dad. Hammie smiled and said, "Nothing!" Her Dad heard me and said, "Ya , I bought my own card." Hammie quickly said, "Can you put my name on it Daddy?" What a character!
So even though my visit was brief it had some quality time.
Like other grand parents, I can't wait for the next visit.
Now photos? Yes, I took photos. I just don't put photos of kids on the Internet.
so glad you got to see how they spend their days. real life, not staged. :) grampa butting in - that's cute. :)
ReplyDeleteWe just butted in when we could.
DeleteIt seems like the more communication devices we have the poorer the communication gets.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm glad you had a good visit.
At any rate communications have changed.
DeleteSounds as if a good time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteBut I wouldn't want to have that much fun every day!
DeleteI will so miss the children later this year when I don't return to New Zealand for my usual 6 months. I'm glad you enjoyed what you saw of them.
ReplyDeleteIt's tough when they are on the other side of the planet. We don't see these two very often.
DeleteOh Red I think that sense of humour does indeed come from Grandpa. Oh I am so glad you had time with your granddaughters and it sounds like they are very successful and busy and that is a good thing. I am sure they are talking about "Ole Grandpa" right now to their distant friends:):):) B
ReplyDeleteWell, for one thing I'm definitely from a different age.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful time and yes, the communication thing with the texting, phoning, etc - just a natural part of their lives - whatever would they do without it. I can take it or leave it - doesn't matter. Wow, that's quite a distance to go to a party and for 8 hours - my folks would never have allowed that, especially so far away. You been to those parties that lasted 1-2 hrs tops or for the afternoon - hope they had a pool, but then who would need one if they are talking, phoning, texting, giggling n such. You're a smart man not to show photos of "kids" - I am amazed at just how many do without a second thought. I laughed at the comment your grandchild made in regard to the Father's day card. ha,ha
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, I know I will - its officially summer in the Maritimes - it arrived late last nite with a warm breeze from the south; after having been north all day n chilly.
The bash lasted from 1:00 Pm Sat to 8:00 PM Sun. Yes, we were lucky to go more than next door. But we had quality time. Good your weather is smartening up. You can get more bike riding in.
DeleteNice to be part of their lives. This age group puts peers ahead of all else. I remember being abandoned for a few years by my kids.
ReplyDeleteI've had the same experience.
DeleteI hope you did finally find the place where the birthday party was. At least you were all together having a great time. Cheerleading is very good exercise and hard work! They must be pretty darn good to be at that level, Red. Thanks for the fun adventure! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe did find the place and the people. I really am amazed what they can do in the cheer leading program.
Delete1pm Saturday to 8pm Sunday? That's the longest birthday party in history. Did you have an extra slice of cake for me Red?
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazingly long time but I get the feeling this is what happens. I guess we missed out.
DeleteWhat a wide range for the kids to gather from.
ReplyDeleteAnd cheerleading can be very challenging when it reaches the level that your grandkids are at.
There's a lot of hype with it to gain the energy.
DeleteSounds like a great time. Nothing like spending time with the people you love.
ReplyDeleteWell, times have certainly changed since I was a youngster, but every generation says the same thing!
I thought I would be different and not say times have changed
Delete, but I am.
Busy girls! I am glad you had a great visit! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish they were closer.
DeleteI'm so glad you had quality time with the grand kids.
ReplyDeleteI wish they were closer.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to have a close look in the lives of the young generation. Times are always changing and when getting older you sometimes wonder it is for the best. The young people have now other tools to keep them occupied, then we had in our teens.
ReplyDeleteThat's a special age for kin in junior high school and they are busy busy busy....:)
ReplyDeleteI have always felt that I should spend time with the grandkids while they are young. I can remember my son not wanting to visit his grandparents much. He didn't like the 5-hr drive! Glad you are back. Such a lovely drive you had! Much fun and variety!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a nice visit with the grandkids!
ReplyDelete