Our two youngest grandsons always like to come to Boo and Bear's for a few days without their Dad. I remember how special it was to visit my grandparent's home without my Mama and Daddy. The boys visited for a few days during one of our very hot and humid stretches. There have been many of those days this summer.
We love games in our family. Lately when the boys visit we play German Checkers. This is a game that Grayden made way before I had even met him.
Another game that was loved by our two children as they were growing up was Master Mind. Grayden taught the boys to play and they enjoyed playing. When our son was little he was quite good at this game. Grayden told the boys about how their Dad played Master Mind in the hospital while waiting to have a broken arm set. He and Grayden played this mind game to take away some of the stress of the situation. Our grandchildren love to hear stories about their parents as children and we love telling them!
While we were at the beach we had a rainy afternoon so we pulled out a few puzzles that were in a drawer. It was enjoyed by all, so while the grandsons were here we got out a puzzle from our stash that had never been worked. It was completely sealed.
The puzzles at the beach had all been opened and we began to put together the pieces of the first one as chosen by our eldest grandson. Much to our chagrin a piece in the middle was missing. How disappointing to put together a puzzle without all of the pieces! Grayden and our eldest grandson took all of the pieces out of the drawer and began looking for the missing piece. Would you believe they found the missing piece?
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| Photo by Peter |
Another puzzle was begun and low and behold another piece was missing! No, we couldn't find the missing piece.
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| Photo by Peter |
Working on the puzzle with the boys was so much fun. Both boys enjoyed solving the puzzle as we worked on it between other activities. Despite the fact it was so hot, they had requested we make chocolate chip cookies. Of course we made wonderful cookies and enjoyed our baking session, peppered with interesting conversation. I think they enjoyed cookie dough as much as the cooked cookies!
Back to our puzzle from the sealed box. We worked together to get it all together.
As we were in the home stretch of putting all the pieces in we discovered that two pieces were missing! Oh No!
As we were in the home stretch of putting all the pieces in we discovered that two pieces were missing! Oh No!
We did a major search on the floor, under the rugs, in the cushions to no avail! How can we open a sealed new box with a puzzle in it and not have all the pieces? We don't know, but we still have not found these two pieces!
Do you and your family enjoy games and puzzle making? What do you do with a puzzle that has missing pieces?
Do you and your family enjoy games and puzzle making? What do you do with a puzzle that has missing pieces?
I love board games and puzzles! How annoying to have those missing pieces though, especially with a new one. Such a pretty picture too. Can you contact the company? I know some companies will provide copies of the missing pieces.
ReplyDeleteNow, your German Checkers looks a lot like a game I know as Ludo, and I love Mastermind too! Such fun ~~~Deb xo
p.s. than you for being brave and visiting my spider photos ~ lol
I remember you mentioning Ludo before, Deb. I think it's the same.
DeleteWe'll have to check to see if we can get the missing pieces from Milton Bradley, if they still exists! The puzzle is the Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine. We took our oldest grandson there a few years ago. It's quite beautiful. ♥
Oh, I love puzzles, Martha Ellen! And I always think they should be framed after putting them all together because it takes so much time and care. haha I really like the train one. Trains speak to my heart. How fun that you enjoyed these puzzles with your grandsons. These pictures are sweet of them. And making chocolate chip cookies for them too......you are such a grand grandmother!
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, my sister used to frame puzzles and hang them in her game room. Our eldest grandson loves trains and picked this one to do at the beach. I love being a grandmother. I take the job seriously as I believe it takes a village to raise a child. ♥
DeleteHow fun that your grandsons could come and stay for a few days. Since I lived within walking distance of both sets of my grandparents, I often had time alone with them. I usually spent the night at each house twice a month. My one grandfather traveled a lot with his job, so when he was gone, I got to sleep with my grandma...and she had a TV in their room. I can remember watching Johnny Carson with her. Oh, how I loved that!!
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, all that to say, the time you are spending with your grandsons is making memories that will last them a lifetime!!
Our family loves to play games, especially cards. We haven't done a puzzle in ages, but a couple months ago, my husband suggested we get one. He thought it would be fun to do as a couple in these empty nest years.
Blessings,
Patti
I've enjoyed getting to know how your grandparents made such an impression on you, Patti. We will make an impression on these little ones and I enjoy them immensely! My parents were great grandparents to our children, so I have big shoes to fill. ♥
DeleteI am amazed that the missing piece was found for the circular puzzle. And as maddening as it is, I have had missing pieces from brand new puzzles. I love the game board Grayden made. My grandfather made a very similar game called Aggravation. It has two arms that fit together making an "x." One rolls the dice and can begin play on a one or a six. Of course, I do love the subject of your last puzzle... Chocolate chip cookies at Boo and Bear's...are you Boo?
ReplyDeleteVee, they were quite determined to find the missing piece. It did have a different colored backing from the others in the box. I imagine puzzles are hastily put away on vacations, so it was in another box. Yes, I am Boo. It's the nickname my Daddy gave me as a child. He always called me Boo, so I decided when our first grandchild was born that would be my grandmother name. And we love the Portland Head Lighthouse, too. It's one of the most beautiful. ♥
DeleteYou are making such beautiful family memories with your grandsons, Martha Ellen! The best part of building puzzles together is the relaxed conversation that flows while working together! It is also a great lesson in patience, cooperation, problem-solving, and collaboration. These important skills will serve your grandsons well throughout life! I love the way you are documenting special family times here, my friend. You are filling this 'scrapbook' with treasured memories for all to enjoy! Wishing Boo and Bear a happy weekend! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dawn! As you know these children mean the world to us and they give Boo and Bear so much joy! It's our pleasure to have these special times with them. I must admit I'm resting up now that they have returned home! I hope your weekend brings you rest and joy, my friend. ♥
DeleteAs a child I went to my grandparents for a few days each summer. I remember playing games with my grandmother and that board game Grayden made looks so familiar. The grandkids will remember these special times in the years to come. That was lucky finding the missing piece on the one puzzle. Too bad the other's are incomplete.
ReplyDeleteLiz, being a grandmother is just about the most special thing that has happened to me. You will soon know that joy! I'm sure you will too make wonderful memories for your little one. ♥
DeleteWe have often used the hot and humid summer days to do puzzles. A lot of togetherness and good conversation can happen around a puzzle table! Good for you...redeeming these summer days with your grandsons! Who cares if the weather is "just right"?
ReplyDeleteCheryl, it is important to seize the day! I remember seeing your family play games as well. Family times are the best times. ♥
DeleteGrayson has such a kind and cheerful face. We loved playing games when My children were young. When I was a child, it was a family thing to play board games often, nearly every weekend, we would have a Monopoly bash. I wonder if anyone else remembers a card game called FLINCH?
ReplyDeleteUGH< the pain of missing puzzle pieces!
Grayden is a sweetie and really, really loves games. I've never heard of Flinch but Grayden said he remembers it vaguely. It's so nice to hear that you have fond memories of games as a child. ♥
DeletePuzzles can be such fun and are always lovely to be shared with a family member. We have sometimes had one piece missing in a new puzzle and most companies will sort this out for you.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately two of your photo's are not showing correctly ... ?
Wishing you a good weekend - these weeks certainly go by so quickly!
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. The summer is passing quickly! Before we know it, it will be cooler weather for us. I know it's been a cool summer for you, but not us. I need to check with the company and see if they will give us the missing pieces.
DeleteI'm not seeing a problem with the photos here. I hope it has resolved on your side. Have a restful weekend, Jan. ♥
Hi Martha! Oh, looks like some fun times going on! I used to work jigsaw puzzles all of the time! Well, I was actually addicted to them. Thanks for popping in to see me.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I agree that puzzles are quite addicting, but so much fun. Have a nice weekend, Shelia. ♥
DeleteAnd it's way too late to return the puzzle. Seems to me I've heard that if you're missing a lego piece to your set they will replace it for you. Too bad you can't do that with puzzle pieces! I never had the opportunity to visit my grandparents without my parents. I think grandparents are more involved with their grands than my grandparents were, though I have wonderful memories of visits to them.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about grandparents being more involved these days. I wonder about the reasons. Maybe distance can be a factor and I do believe we are more active than a few generations ago were. ♥
DeleteYour grandsons are good puzzle masters, Martha! You and your husband are giving them wonderful memories to cherish.
ReplyDeleteMy only surviving grandparent when i was a child did not speak English. She was my maternal grandmother and had immigrated from the Ukraine as a young woman. Her community in PA was all Ukrainian so she never had to learn the language, although of course my mother did. So even though I loved her very much I never truly knew her. My siblings and I have all been fortunate to be good grandparents to our own grandchildren, and to live near them and be able to spend time with them. It is a blessing!
Language can be such a barrier to really getting to know someone. Even though you had that barrier you still loved your grandmother. That speaks so well of her, Pat. I'm so glad you live close to your grandchildren to give them memories that will enrich their lives. ♥
DeleteI loved this post Martha Ellen! It reminded me of how my mother loved to do puzzles. My father was such a train enthusiast so he would have just loved your train puzzle! What a grand time you must have with your grandson! Just loved this one!
ReplyDeleteWe have the best times with all three grandsons, Betsy. Whatever we do with them brings such joy to our lives. I'm glad this post reminded you of your parents. My Mama loved puzzles as well. Have a wonderful day! ♥
DeleteI have always enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and the German checkers game is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. It's nice to see that most folks enjoy time spent with old fashioned games and puzzles. ♥
DeleteGreat family fun. Puzzles are a great way to entertain people and kids. At the cancer centers in the waiting room, they always have a puzzle. my Mom told me she had brand new puzzles and somehow, there was always a missing piece.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bummer, Linda! I've been surprised at the number of folks that tell me they have a new puzzle that has missing pieces! I think solving a puzzle is a great way to have fun. I hope your day is full of joy! ♥
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