I enlisted middle daughter to join us for an excursion to our local zoo. The Bugaboos were so excited to have time with their cousins! And Grandboy 1 took his role as oldest seriously--he warned the younger ones, "Stay away from ducks. Sometimes they bite." (I didn't inquire how he learned this useful bit of information.)
Our backyard pool has gotten quite a workout in the evenings when Grampa is here. Since Gramma can't swim, I won't let the boys in unless Grampa is here. The first time in, the boys clung to the sides. The second night, they released the sides and paddled back and forth across the pool using their vests and some long "noodles" to hold them up. The third night, they let loose of the noodles and relied on arm bands. So much fun to see their confidence building! Grandboy 1 asked to be released from the vest, but worrywart Gramma said no. Safety first, y'know...
Both boys love to draw, and our concrete driveway and walkways became an art gallery thanks to sidewalk chalk. Gramma even had some fun! Can you figure out which is my drawing?
When coloring, Grandboy 1 got the idea of coloring pictures to resemble our family of cats. We had great fun recreating Sam, Maizie, Clyde, and Frances. Oh...speaking of Clyde...
He wasn't too sure what to think of these shorter humans invading his domicile. He found some pretty good observation points (such as the top of the refrigerator)...but the boys always managed to find him. lol
Over the past few days, we've built countless Lego houses, created roller coasters for marbles, fashioned dinosaurs out of Play Dough, colored dozens of pictures, used shaped stickers to create robots, put together wooden race car models, and of course....
EATEN ICE CREAM! (It's hot and they're with Gramma...what did you expect?) Most of all, I've just enjoyed having time with these boys. There's something special about grandparenting. I can't describe it--you just have to experience it to understand. Each night, after reading a story, tucking them in, and praying with them, I leave the room exhausted but infinitely happy. The house is going to seem awfully quiet when they go home again at the end of the week. I sure am glad we had this time for "Camp Gramma." Building memories...
God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Great post Kim! And I agree, there is something special about grandparenting! It's like when you see your grandchildren for the first time, God gives you this supernatural love that oozes from your heart to them (sigh) so precious! My grandchildren make my being "light up" that's the only way for me to explain it. And of course Grandma's (in my case "Mee-maw's)are ALWAYS ready to give special treats ;-)
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your predicament :-)
Thanks for sharing...you made me smile on this very cloudy and rainy day in Southern New Jersey. :-)
I know what you mean, Veronica. When I held my oldest grandchild for the first time, it was like a special spot in my heart--a spot I didn't even know was empty--filled. I love my children, but somehow it is different with grandchildren. Maybe that's why we call them "grand"!
ReplyDeleteI like that Kim, that's why we call them grand. It's great that you are close enough to all of them to be able to have them around you a lot. It's hard when they're far away and can only talk on the phone to them, can't squeeze them close to you. That pic at the zoo, right outside the gift shop is one we are so familiar with, have volunteered in there for 3 yrs., miss that place.
ReplyDeleteCherie, I thought of you when we visited the zoo! I know you spent a lot of time there. I am fortunate to have the Sweeties and Bugaboos close. Our Wugmump, however, will be a ways away. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, I can so identify with you!
ReplyDeleteWe had our "Grandies" for a week as well, in early February and our house suddenly became a hive of feverish activity, which I hadn't seen for quite a while!
Our four ranged in age from 15 down to three. Both sets of boys were brothers and cousins to each other if you get my drift.
I had organised to take two of Nicky's (my eldest daughter's) boys ,while she and her middle lad flew to Sydney for the Inter school basket ball championships, but I had also agreed to look after my son's two little boys, while my daughter in law and my son were in Queensland attending a conference. The only trouble was, that I didn't realise I had said yes to both my kids for the same week!
Well, we coped and like you, we also had the cousins up for the weekend (my middle daughter's children) which they absolutely loved, all being together(and yes, we went to the zoo!) It was like boarding school with six of them so now we had 15,13,9,8,6 and a 3yr old.
Monday morning duly arrived and...time for school and day care! Can't you imagine the scene? I'm in the kitchen doing the school lunches, (it was like mass production) while in the bedrooms the older boys were organising their school gear and my hubby was in charge of the three younger boys. Our 9 yr old grand daughter was fantastic and helped wherever she could..she is such a "mother hen". :) Despite the fact that the kids schools were all in different parts of the state (and peak hour traffic) we managed to get them there on time.
By the middle of the week, we were now back to the original four, and had our routine down pat.
It was such fun having our Gk's to stay, albeit exhausting too and you are quite right... it is different from having your own kids. Somehow,you always seem to go the extra mile and achieve it. There is definitely something special about being grandparents. :)
Wonderful post and beautiful photos of your precious Gk'S Kim... and I did like your butterfly. :)
Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Rosie
What a sweet, fun post Kim! LOVED reading about your special week with some of your Grandboys--making memories that will last forever. Enjoyed the photos too--those are precious little boys (okay, I'll admit I enjoyed the photo of Clyde too*grin*). Thank you so much for sharing this with us today--I am SO looking forward to being a Gramma one day! Hugs, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteRosie, i don't think I'm brave enough to do a week with more than two of them. There's a reason we have kids when we're young. LOL!
ReplyDeletePatti Jo, I admit...I included Clyde because I figured you'd enjoy it. :o) And just wait--bein' a Gramma is beyond wonderful.