It is just over six months since everyone has been well enough for Danni, Ella, and Jack, and Elizabeth to visit us for lunch. We have seen them at Elizabeth’s over that period so we have stayed in our great-niece’s mind.
Neither has she forgotten the Fortnum & Mason hamper (a present from our late friends, Wolf and Luci) which is the toy box. Brother Jack, in this image, clutches a toy mobile as he does his best to hamper progress on
the puzzle his mother is working with his sister.
Jack was tired when they arrived and had adopted the ear-twiddling technique which caused a scratch which he remembered after Danni had cleaned him up. The bag of knitted toys is Danni’s set of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves knitted by my mother when her granddaughter was little. Louisa was also given a group.
Danni read to each of her children.
Jack, of course, can read himself.
Ella can spell her own name, as she demonstrated
over Jackie’s usual excellent salad and cold meats lunch.
Afterwards Ella fashioned a birthday cake from Play-Doh, while
Elizabeth protected it from Jack, who
went off for a crawl about
until his mother lent a pair of hands.
I held him for a second time after this, when his teething drool went some way to rinsing the tomato he had dribbled on my clean shirt donned for the occasion.
Flo and Dillon were treated to a display of practical parenting.
In case anyone is holding their breath I have not received the promised e-mail from WordPress.
This evening we reprised yesterday’s roast pork dinner with the same beverages.
I love this Derrick! My Cape Town grandchildren know exactly where to find everything in our our house even though they only visit once a year! Your post filled me with a sense of love – thank you!
Much appreciated, Anne
You and Dany were happy to have at home this charming family, Derrick. . The mother is really attentive and swet with her children;
In friendship
michel
Thank you so much Michel, my friend
Cuties all… both kids and adults. Nice to live so close to family. We have long ways to go to visit.
Thanks very much, Judy. We have some in Australia
A lovely gathering. So many of us have been kept apart because of the pandemic or one thing or another. It’s wonderful to see you all enjoying one another’s company !
Thank you so much, Holly
You’re so welcome!
Nice to see them come. Maybe nice to see them leave? How many adults does it take to amuse two small children? Didn’t hear from WordPress? That is the biggest surprise of all. Not!
Thank you so much, Pat. WP e-mailed at 23.53 their time. Partially satisfactory. More anon
Will not hold my breath for a completely satisfying response based upon my own experience. Good luck.
Thanks again
Beautiful photographs Derrick. Such a lovely family mate, you must feel very proud.
Thank you so much, John
Grandchildren don’t forget where the toys are holed up. Mine did the same. knew the boxes, hampers and closets where they would be held, open them, and have fun with them.
such adorable children Derrick.
Thank you so much, Zakiah
The title made me think this was an Ella post and I was not disappointed. So good to see all of your gorgeous grandchildren and and greats. So much love in the photos. xo
Thank you so much, Jodie. Well anticipated X
xo
What a lovely family visit! Ella and Jack look happy and healthy (and very appreciative of what was on offer for the lunch spread).
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Well, darn about that email. My oh my those children have grown. Jack is so cute, and Ella’s curls are adorable.
Thank you so much, Laurie
Ella is getting to be a big girl now, isn’t she?
She sure is, John. Thanks very much
OH! Ella and Jack have grown so much! Such cuties! 🙂
How wonderful to have toys that your Mum knitted! 🙂
YAY for a beautiful day! 🙂
Yes, good experience for Dillon and Flo! 🙂
I’m glad I decided not to hold my breath while you wait on WordPress!!!! 😮
(((HUGS))) ❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
This is wonderful! Ella sure has grown. Thanks for sharing !
Thank you very much, Jill
A fun packed day.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
My, how Ella and Jack have grown since you last featured them! As for WordPress, it’s a waiting game.
It sure is. Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Oh wow, I agree with Carolyn, Derrick
Thanks very much, Ivor
I’m not surprised they remember the toy box. The set of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves knitted by your mother – what a treasure! I love Ella’s curls. 🙂
Thanks very much, JoAnna. Ella can pull down a string of curls and let go so that they spring back and bob up
You are blessed with beautiful and wise visitors your camera has vouched for. Ella has grown up noticeably over the last six months or so.
She has, indeed, Uma. And who would think that Jack is only just 9 months old? Thanks very much
Looks like a wonderful day.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Just such a lovely family Derrick! I love the warmth and happiness in their faces. As far as WP, be prepared, they will ask you for a screen shot. Last time, they thanked me for all the ones I sent them, which was the last I heard from them about the disappearing followers problem. But, at least they were polite in their deflection.
Thanks very much, Cindy. I’ve had a partly satisfactory e-mail. More anon
HI Derrick, what a lovely family gathering. I really enjoyed your pictures. I often think that, despite it being hard to juggle my two sons with my working life, especially as they both had chronic illnesses, these years when they were small were the best of my life.
Thank you so much, Robbie
Both the children have such beautiful hair
They do. Thanks very much, Sheree
Children have stronger memories than us oldies.
Yep. Thanks a lot, Andrew
Such a delightful family gathering. The little ones are getting so big. My mother-in-law and mother had special toys for our children, too.
Thank you very much, Merril
Derrick the gleam and sparkle in your eyes as you hold Jack is one of the most precious photos we have seen in quite a while. It is easy to picture Ella springing her curls! You and yours are so Blessed…
Felt like we were there!
Play-doh cakes and drool with list of smokes and joy
🙏💚
What a beautiful family. I love Ella’s curls.
Thanks very much, Eugi. She pulls a string of them down and lets it bob back up
What little sweeties – I’m including the grown ups too!
Thank you so much, Susan
How lovely to see Ella and Jack again, and how they’ve both grown.
Thank you so much, Sue
W o n d e r f u l pictures, Derrick!!!
Thank you very much, Daniel
Another lovely family gathering. Jack and Ella are growing so quickly and adorable as ever! 💞
Thank you so much, AnneMarie
What a wonderful day! They grow so fast 🥰
Thank you so much, Ribana
The little ones are growing up so quickly! What a lovely family gathering!
Thanks very much, Lavinia
I was very entertained by this post, Derrick and your descriptions of Jack and Ella. All these scenes take me back and I smiled at the way Jack is so eager to participate in what Ella is doing. So true of the younger child. Their mother manages that beautifully!
Thank you so much, Barbara
Love that photo of you with Jack! So glad you & the family could be together again! We are here with family, too. Such a treat!!!
Thank you very much, Jan
Adorable children.
Thank you so much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
May we NEVER forget the toy box. I mean that with all seriousness. My father laments that I have such fondness for toys and yet, I know he is winsome over a few tin men himself …
Fully understood, Candy. Thank you very much
looks and sounds like a great day
Thanks very much, Catherine