2011 Annual Report: Grandchildren


 Kai and Kiera Performing

Kai started kindergarten this year, where he immediately became a chick magnet. We speculated that because he had only female cousins, he had grown used to playing with girls. At any rate, when we take hime to school in the morning, a short walk from home, we watch as four or five of his distaff classmates rush up to greet him. Granddad may be a trifle jealous.

 The Performance Completed

When we stopped in Southern California during our Western Swing, we naturally showed pictures of the kids to all Linda's cousins. They generally agreed that Kiera looks a lot like Claire did at that age. "Not so," Jim pointed out, "she has blue eyes." However, there is a lot of resemblance. If anything, Kiera is even more assertive that Claire was at that age. She wants to do everything Kai does, despite the two year advantage he has. Sometimes, this can be a bit annoying. Amy related an incident when Kai was being obstreperous. (Yes, that happens.) As Amy put it, "Kiera is a team player," and quickly joined in.

 Kiera's latest trick

Kai takes advantage of this cooperation by enlisting Kiera in his stage performances, such as the one shown in the pictures.

Kiera does have a few tricks of her own, such as using rattles with her feet.

Those of you who follow these reports may have noticed that the tab formerly labeled "Kai and Kiera," now says simply "Grandchildren." The reason, of course, is the arrival of Scarlet and Violet, which is covered here…