I volunteered to take my granddaughter to a father/daughter pumpkin carving party.
So I found myself at a very nice church with lots of daughters, Dads, teachers and one grandpa. Josie provided Amber and me with some really nice carving utensils, a hefty pumpkin prime for the carnage, and a plastic bowl. Oh, and there were these templates that looked good, but were impossible for me to use, let alone a four-year old girl. But, what ya gonna do?
In the picture to the left you can see the resulting masterpiece. Amber luved sticking the carving device and punch tools in the pumpkin, albeit randomly. But we were having fun and I expect the pumpkin to be a total disaster of mythic proportions. Then the nose fell out. But Amber and I just laughed and slid it back in. The paper template Amber is holding was decimated too.
Then Amber went to play with her bestest friend in the whole world, Gillian and I was left to my own devices, cleaning up the mess and dabbing the pumpkin with debris on its face as if that would help. I talked to some of the dads who were very intent for the most part on keeping the pumpkin, shall we say in classic form. I began to wonder if I should have too, but Amber was happy so then was I.
You might note in the picture to the left that Gillian came in all black which I thought was a nice touch. And Gillian and Amber spent much of the time just running around the gym until story time. Then the moment of truth came when all the pumpkins candles would be lit and the lights turned out. And me without a candle or match to my name. How embarrassing. But one of the teachers had a bag of votive candles and a lighter so I spent the next five minutes trying to get the candle in the pumpkin. None of the holes were big enough to reach through to light the candle and the top was way too small. Oh well, what’s a burn or two for my sweet granddaughter. I lit the candle and dropped it in.
The lights went off and that mess of a pumpkin you see above turned out to look pretty nice in the dark (see the picture below and to the right). But then I might be biased. Amber and I agreed the cat we were trying to make looked more like a racoon, but whatta ya gonna do? Oh, did I mention there was cookies. We like cookies, do we not Amber? :o)
Since they wanted us to stay seated, this was the best picture I could get without using a flash. But I suspect that when Amber and her mom see this tomorrow, they will be happy. Whew, another major moment in a child’s life turned out alright. ;o)
The Bis Key Chronicles 
morning ((hugs))
I though it was a cat but then I haven’t seen a racoon up close … so I’ll take your word for it, but I do think it looks amazing and looks like it was quite a difficult one as it is quiet intricate…. well done both of you ;))
you’re as bad as me.. you were having way too much fun carving that pumpkin…. lmao, it appears it’s more an activity for adults to remember their own childhood, and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it..may have to give it another go …although I’m thinking, i could make some for christmas too…lol
hugs
debs
xXx
I love the pictures. Your granddaughter looks so happy sittin there with you and you look a lot different without a sax in your mouth. LOL
That was a pleasure to see…and read. :-)
What a pretty great granddaughter we have!!! And what a handsome grandfather she has!!! It looks like a cat to me. Mom
Ah! So you’re a grandfather too! Congratulations. Although I’m not a plumber, I must confess to being the grandfather of 3.
George who’s five, Jess who’s two next week and Josh who will be two in January. Love them. There’s no better way to spend your time, is there?
All best wishes.
Graham
Wonderful pictures I love them oh what a wonderful grandpapa you are I can see those hearty smiles those nimble fingers helping you both at work creating not only your treasure but also a cherished moment for all time. What a pleasure when one gifts to family in such sweet, sweet ways. You go grandpapa and a very cute one too!!
Hugs and kisses you rock, Catherine
I know that dads are proud…But Grandpa’s seems 200% proud…lol
Loved reading ur entry..
Typical GP-GK…yahoo
Ohh GP (grandpa) GK Grandkid)
and now
HAlloween Here i come
MJ
spooky!
This is a good read :-) Don’t you just luv being a Grandpa! Looks like fun was had by all, especially Grandpa and Amber.