Break over, but

Granddaughter Avery, looking so grown up.

Remember those grandkids mentioned last week? Well, I've individually breakfasted the three. I had a great time, and I hope they'd report the same thing. 

First was Avery. She's a middle child, as I am, and I identify with her, sandwiched between a totally-alive geek brother and an even more lively four-year-old sister. I asked her how it was to be caught in the middle. I'd have to say her answer was a writer's delight. "Well, Nanann, it's not nearly as bad as books make it out to be."

In other words, she has informally and perhaps unintentionally, done her own research about her predicament or her advantage, depending on her state of mind at the moment. She went on to say that her position as middle child meant she was left alone at times, and she liked that. In fact, she seeks out alone time, disappears now and then, and likes that others don't seem to notice. I'd say she's quite happy with her station in life. 

Second was Brynn. At four, she was initially most unhappy that she had not been the first to be treated to a grandma-induced breakfast. Also because she's four, she shed some noisy tears, rallied to be happy and delightful, and gladly became the second breakfast guest. I had planned to take Grey, fourteen, next, but Brynn insisted. I told her we would need to negotiate the change with Grey, and did she know what "negotiate" meant. "Yes, Nanann. It means to talk." 

Grey and I looked at each other. Grey said, "Not bad." I answered, "For a four-year-old." So, we negotiated, and Brynn was second; Grey, third.

Brynn had nine-grain chocolate chip pancakes, almost an oxymoron. I had nine-grain, pumpkin pancakes. Yum on both counts. Conversation was animated, energetic, and totally child. 

Grandson Grey, as tall as Nanann.

Third, this morning, was breakfast with Grey. I loved hearing about computer camps he attended this summer where he designed original apps and evaluated and re-designed cyber security systems. Guess where he's headed? Geek land, and he's appropriately proud of it. 

Granddaughter Brynn, cute as always.

Additional bonus: a niece and her family who live nearby visited yesterday. She had two teenagers. Pizza, salad, and lots of catchup conversation completed a wonderful trip/break. Call it a writer's vacation, which we need on a regular basis to give our back burner projects time to cook. I can't wait to see what it is ready to hatch this time. I may have a chance to find out shortly. Tomorrow I return home, launder a few clothes, and repack for a writers' retreat  at Montreat, near Asheville, North Carolina.  My NaNoWriMo project is on the line, and I'm hoping to come home with a headful of information about writing fiction. By then, I'll be ready to hide out at a desk behind a computer. Peace and quiet.