Grand

Grand is the leader of my Curious George troop, he’s sort of seen as the king monkey amongst the monkeys.  He joined my troop back in 1996 when we were in Williamsburg, VA visiting Andrew at school.  We went to the toy store on the mall and there he was, sitting on a shelf supervising everything going on.  I immediately knew he needed to come home with me, but someone thought he was too big ;) Luckily his charm won everyone over and he has been a part of the family ever since.  He earned the name Grand because well, he’s Grand.  I also like to think he’s named Grand because we called my Grandfather George, Grand.  They are both very similar in their personalities; no nonsense, like to eat sweets, like to take naps, born leaders and both always wear/wore a cap (we’ve never seen Grand take his cap off).

Clare has always been a bit skeptical of the George’s, she isn’t afraid of them necessarily, but doesn’t necessarily enjoy playing with them.  Grand has been in my closet on the shelf since she was born, just recently did he move into her room.  At first she was hesitant about him, pointing at him and looking unsure.  Grand has a way with people; he wants everyone to like him.  So, each evening Grand would try to win Clare over, he even tried putting a bow in his hair.  It only took about a week, but Clare will now get close enough to touch his nose.  

As you can see he even tried wearing her Rockies t-shirt (he loves baseball too!) and her shoe, thinking maybe if he dressed like her she’d like him.

Jeff tried to show Grand some love, even though Jeff is convinced the monkeys have a plot against Kai and talk behind his back. 

I’m looking forward to the day when Clare invites him to a tea party, he’s a wonderful guest.  Until then he's sitting on her shelf keeping a watchful eye on her.