Popcorn Party

Just about every Friday, for several years now, while the big kids are still at school PawPaw Benny comes over to mow the yard and hang out with the little kids.  He always brings a "party".  Usually a popcorn party.

He and the little kids open up a bag of popcorn and set out drinks out by the lake or by the clubhouse.  They sit and talk and play and it's just the most wonderful thing!  You just can't ask for better quality time with a grandparent.  They'll save some snacks for when the big kids return from school and continue the "party".

Sawyer is an outside kinda kid and so I think he has a special connection to PawPaw Benny because they spend the day together out-of-doors.  Sass loves the popcorn parties too, and although she loves her PawPaw...she's also in it for the potential extras he brings.  He always brings popcorn, but he also brings an extra or two.  Or should I say an "extra or too".  He might bring too much extra gum, too much extra chocolate chip cookies, too much extra Tootsie Rolls, or even all of the aforementioned!  He'll never be accused of bringing too much extra fruit.

I used to kind of hint that too many extras was just too much, but I've long since let it go because it's just a special time they have with their grandfather.  And who am I to stand in the way of such sweet memories that I hope they'll always have of this time.

One fun part...the little kids love pulling a trick with PawPaw...they all hide behind a tree or in the garage and when Sumner and Bebe get off the bus they like to jump out at them and shout "BOO!"  The big kids have long since been scared (especially since they can see PawPaw's car in the driveway) and  pretend to be surprised by the attack.

Now that Sawyer is in school with Bebe and Sumner it's down to Sass and her PawPaw Benny.  Kinda sad, but also kinda special too.  Last week they had their own private party.  Just the two of them sitting by the clubhouse eating popcorn and a terrible-for-you Little Debbie Nutty Bar.  The best part was they hid in the garage and when Sawyer got off the bus...they got him!  They threw a beach ball at him and yelled Boo!  He was so surprised and he LOVED it!  Finally, his turn to be "got"!  Then all five of them went back to the clubhouse to talk and eat junky snacks.

Sawyer's last popcorn party before Kindergarten started.