Musings of a Grandma

I was thinking yesterday, as I attempted to explain a storyline from "We Bought a Zoo" to Ellie (5). The new and inexperienced zoo owner, against advice from everyone, said he would not kill the very old and sick head Lion.  The "next in command" Lion escaped rather then have to take on and kill the leader. Which is what you are suppose to do in a pack of Lions.  The disruption of the old Lion staying alive was messing things up in the pack.  A "lion whisperer" was brought in and he said to give the lions whole carcasses so the pecking order could be established by the "second in command" by what parts of the kill he ate.  I guess his urine marking would transmit the information that he was the new leader. The old leader could stay alive in peace.  Besides thinking I am glad I'm not a lion.  I think I did pretty good explaining hard big adult issues to a five year old.  

Later that day, as I was chatting with Rachel and Ellie in the car, I was thinking of all the stuff I've learned since I became old (50).  And how I wish I knew some of this stuff when my kids were young.  I can now share it with my Grandkids, as they are usually a ready audience.  And Grandma is sometimes easier to talk to than "the parents".  

I decided that I would start writing down some stuff that I wish I had known when my kids were still kids.  I will also write down some of the "tell me about when you were a kid" stories that Ellie asks for.  I may write down an interesting conversation or observation.  I think that this will evolve. Hopefully some pictures, because pictures make everything more fun!