One reason, or I should say eleven reasons, I look forward to retiring the end of September is/are my eleven grandchildren. While I admit I’m not the “cool” grandma I aspired to be, I still enjoy the thought of being more connected to them when my life is a bit freer. I also hope to be more faithful to this blog, by the way, if I remember how.

For fun, I’m about to share recent pictures of all eleven. Each one is exceptional in my eyes, of course. You can interpret that two ways, and both would be correct.

The Anderson three (Bailey, Marissa, and Cassidy plus parents) about to start a weeklong cruise south of the border.

Oscar, heading toward fourth grade in the fall.

Sage and Brynn, like to play Cootie. I do too!

Will and Lincoln at the Tilikum 4th of July Fun Run.

In birth order: Declan, Avery, Emery, decked out for their July 4 celebration.

Eleven.