Numbers seven, nine, and ten

Here, in no particular order, is a bundle of photos of the North Carolina grandchildren: Elsie, Gabe, and Victoria.

Annie doesn't stand for any nonsense and her children say "Yes, Ma'am" in the best southern tradition. They also frequent the "time out" corner quite regularly. One day, there happened to be a pink bag in the corner when G was sent there, with this result.

Victoria is colicky and cries a lot, but when she is happy she is most delightful. Nana spent many hours rocking and walking and playing with her. 

And sometimes falling asleep with her.

Annie and I took the kids shopping one morning. We left Jeff at home, because he hates shopping. Our first stop was an antiques and collectibles store that was closed, but had most of its inventory outside, so we had an impromptu photo shoot.

This is E's "photo face". You have to be tricky to get anything else from her. Which is funny, because my mum, her namesake, had a photo face too.

One hot afternoon, Annie set up the little pool and the older two had a blast. I love their expressions of pure delight.

Papa and I took the kids for several walks around the neighbourhood, giving Mommy some peace while she taught piano lessons. The kids usually ended up pushing their own strollers, in a sneaky effort of ours to wear them out.

Annie belongs to a co-op preschool with some other moms. Elsie looks forward to it all week.

Papa doing his part and keeping the baby quiet. This wee one will not sleep unless her thumb is firmly planted in her mouth.

Papa and E "played" Battleships one day. In reality, E filled every hole with pegs and then took them out and put them away in the right places. It took a long time!

E helped me make cookies, the lazy way, with a brownie mix.

Getting ready go play out in front of the house.

G hops on the riding lawn-mower every time he goes out to the garage.

E and I put this outfit together and we thought it was cool.

Mommy was not impressed.

V has the funniest expressions and her smile is so contagious.

Like most young moms today, Annie is on the go a lot. E usually sits in the back very quietly, staring into space.

G is also very good, although he does mess with the baby sometimes.

Look at that innocent expression. Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth!

And the babe is a car-seat riding tyrant. These are some of the few moments when she wasn't screaming like she was dying of some horrible pain.

E loves to read books with Papa, who behaved himself nicely and didn't mess with the plot.

And now this Nana is feeling quite bereft, not knowing how long it will be before we see these darlings again, but also grateful that we spent these few precious days with them and Annie. 

And that, dear reader, is the end of our traveling for a while. Hope you enjoyed the journey.