Barb, My take on this.....who cares? I mean, really, if he wants to reconnect, you don't have to be involved in any way. He can call his kids any time he wants. For that matter, he can call your Dad or anyone he pleases. You still do not have to be involved with him. Luckily, for you, your kids are all older and can make their own choices.
Just continue to be polite on the rare occasions that you do have to interract with him and let it go at that. Don't waste another second on trying to figure out what he's doing. As I said, who cares???