From my Grandmother’s Album. Durand, Illinois. Uncle Robert (b.1914) I’m the left. Uncle John (b.1910) on the right. my mother Marian (b.1912) next to Robert with the light trim on her dark hat. She looks about four to me but maybe it’s 1917.
Saturday afternoon on the way home, I saw this big snowman at the park entrance.
This is his Mom’s Popple from the eighties. They were the desired toy of 1987 when Laura was four. Of course, I’d saved it.
Charlie (4) Is enjoying playing with it. Getting some play time a second time around.
The arms and legs tuck up into a front pocket and it looks like a big fuzzycolorful ball. There’s a tail with a furry pompon at the end.
I asked Laura what she called it. “Popple” was her response
I found a commercial for this toy. Not sure how long they were the craze.
Charlie’s having fun throwing it around.
Wordless Wednesday
My grandson Charlie loves to play with his father’s childhood treasure box of toys. James’ mom brings them out when he visits. I took these last month when we stayed at the farm.
I took these shots in April when I visited Berlin. Playgrounds have permanent ping pong tables installed. Just bring paddle and balls. 
A brisk sunny March Sunday afternoon in the backyard. James was going work on converting the shed into a gardening greenhouse. The kids had fun playing together. Michael pulled the little blue sled with a delighted Charlie- back and forth, back and forth across the seeded lawn. 
Maura climbed around and swung upside down on Charlie’s climbing apparatus. She tried pulling Charlie but too heavy.
Pots and pan lids. Age old play toy for babies and toddlers. Charlie got into the drawer of lids, paused from the task and studied his reflection.
Jen H. Challenges bloggers to tell a story visually. Here’s a seven photo series telling the story of Charlie learning to manage the springy Curious George monkey- in-the-box. My favorite the last picture. I wonder what he was saying to the monkey. 
