Together again at Nana's House

Most of the cousins were together in California early this month for a family wedding, which doesn't happen often, so we had the best time! I almost didn't go because we'd just been there last month and I didn't want to drive alone. I decided to do it anyway, on a whim, while sitting at my computer one morning, thinking about my boring weekend alone when everyone else would be together just 10 hours away. So in one hour from the moment I made this decision I was backing out of my driveway, with who knows what I'd thrown in the suitcase. I'm sooooo glad I went, even though at close to midnight, and still driving, alone with 3 tired and cranky kids, I wasn't sure! Here are some of my favorite moments of the memorable trip to Nana's house.

Just playing in front of the house.
Hopscotch...

and sidewalk chalk.

The kids all played so well with each other! They loved
being together for an entire weekend.




Allie loving her Grandpa Joe at Shannon's wedding.
There was none of the typical shyness kids usually have
around great-grandparents they don't see often.
The moment she saw him, she jumped onto his lap and
clung to him just like she's known him forever.

It reminds me of one of my kids' favorite poems:

Grandpa
Grandpa's hands are as rough as
Garden sacks
And as warm as pockets.
His skin is crushed paper round
His eyes
Wrapping up their secrets.

-Berlie Doherty

I have another special memory from this night that wasn't caught on camera, but will be remembered just the same. I heard Grandpa Joe yell my name from across room. He yelled it urgently, as if there was an emergency. When I turned he looked at me, with eyes beaming with so much love that it shocked me a little, and I saw his lips say I...LOVE...YOU. He pointed to me with each strongly emphasized word and then gave me a peace sign.

This moment reassured me that my Grandpa, who has been experiencing worsening dementia lately, still knows me. It doesn't matter that he can't remember where I live or how many kids I have. He still sees me and loves me just the same. I'm sure all of us have vivid memories of Grandpa Joe like this, because he loves all of his grandchildren so deeply. How I wish I was capable of being emotionally unguarded this way, making everyone feel so very loved. I think Allie may have inherited this open lovingness.



The exhausted, hot and sweaty kids settling down
for a movie.


Souvenirs! Chad was in Southern California the week before I met him down there with the kids, and gave them these souvenirs after we got home.
Seashells...

and a bobble-head! I looooove the bobble-head and so does Jack!
Chad got it at a Dodger game. Jack said it's Benny from the Sandlot!