Grandpa Spike

It's not every little kid who has a grandpa named "Spike".  Yes, even my father's business cards say "Spike".  There's a vague story about how his name evolved from "Charles" to "Spike" in kindergarten because several other boys shared the same name, but suffice it to say he won't answer to anything else after close to six decades of the appellation.

Anyway, Grandpa Spike was in town most of last week for business before the rest of the grandparents joined him to celebrate Charlotte's birthday.  He has a special talent for amusing young folks, so the kids had a blast enjoying some alone time with him.  We did all sorts of fun things.

Grandpa Spike created a points system for keeping track of whether he or Peter "won" at feeding Petey breakfast.  For the record, I entered the contest late and may have actually won if I had kept track of the bites better.

We went swimming in the pool at Grandpa Spike's hotel and Grandpa taught Peter to walk right off the edge of the pool (because he can't jump) into his arms.  Unfortunately, we had to be on guard at all times because Peter liked to do it whether we were ready or not.  That kid has no fear!

It looks like my dad is wrestling Peter into submission here, but really Peter was attacking a snoozing Grandpa.

Charlotte taught Grandpa her favorite board game.

We went out to lunch.

Charlie Jo enlisted Grandpa's help in assembling her cool elephant card that my sister's in-laws sent.

Grandpa Spike and Peter developed an acrobatics act.

And Grandpa Spike even got Charlotte to go down a 2-story high twisty tube slide at her birthday party. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes!

Come back soon, Grandpa Spike!  We miss you!!  (More posts to come featuring the other grandparents!)