Son Brian and DIL Nicole were married in May 2010. Ten years later Hubby Tony and I were all ready to babysit for them so they could have a celebratory getaway. However, thanks to Covid that didn't happen.
Fast forward to January 2022. We're all vaxxed and boosted; Nicole asked if we would be willing to try again. Tony and I agreed. Since we would already be in California for that period, we added time with Son Tony and his family. Then we also tacked on a destination just for us. We booked flights and waited for the time to arrive.
Thursday morning Tony and I said goodbye to our first set of hosts, packed everything into the rental car, and headed back over the mountains towards San Jose. It was Cinco de Mayo, so we decided to stop at a taqueria in Livermore for a tasty lunch. After returning the rental at the airport we crossed the street to the passenger pickup area and waited a couple of minutes for Son Brian to pick us up.
When we got to his house their nanny (a lovely woman close to my age) was outside with two-year old twins Ell and Dee. Grandson Jay was at school. We joined the outside play, and when it was time to pick up Jay I went along with Brian. As the day unfolded the nanny went home, dinner was ordered in, TV was watched, and bedtime routines followed. Tony and I tried to watch carefully because the next two nights (with the nanny's assistance) we would be the ones doing it!
Brian and DIL Nicole had a late morning flight to Los Angeles, where they would be enjoying their adult-only time and attending a show on Saturday night. Their return flight was due in at dinnertime on Sunday. On Friday Jay's school was closed for a professional day, and after consulting with Grandma and Grandpa, his mom asked him if he would rather go to the aftercare program and see his friends or do something special with us. I was thrilled when he chose us. We visited Happy Hollow, where we visited with the animals and enjoyed the picnic lunch we brought. At the gift shop Jay pondered all the merchandise before he chose a large rubber snake and snow cone to purchase with his own money.
The nanny came as scheduled to keep the twins' day normal. When we got back we spent the rest of the day playing outside and inside, building with magnets, putting dinner together, and reading books. Jay's bedtime went smoothly, but the twins sensed we were not their parents and put up a little fuss. However, they slept well through the night.
On Saturday the big adventure for Grandpa and Grandma was taking Jay to his Little League game. Afterwards we drove through McDonald's and got coffee for the adults and french fries for Jay. That night at bedtime the twins were even more adamant that we were not getting their bedtime routine correct, but with the nanny's help they eventually settled down.
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| Big boy batting, little boys running |
On Sunday morning we walked to the grocery store with Jay and let him pick out a cake mix and frosting for a Mother's Day cake. After lunch Grandma, Grandpa, and Jay teamed up to make it, and Jay helped me frost the cake after it was cool. The finished product was far from perfect, but made with love.
That was great family time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of fun bonding with the grands!!
ReplyDeleteAll three were a little standoffish when we arrived, but that had changed by the time we left.
DeleteBe careful. Don't let your kids sneak a grandkid into your suitcase for the trip home.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I would mind that :-)
DeleteWe only have one grandkid and lucky for us she and her mom and dad only lives 10 minutes away.
DeleteEnjoy your time with the family and the grands.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Kathy, and your family.
Oh, so much fun. Too much traveling, but that's what you've got to do to see those kiddos. You and Tony should consider moving to California.
ReplyDeleteThat idea is becoming more and more tempting.
DeleteI have always said, do not relocate just because your kids do. However, in your case, with both sons and grandchildren in California, and I'm assuming the daughters-in-law's families are here, too, then it might be okay. Our son-in-law's dad & stepmom are talking of leaving California for North Carolina, where there is NO family. Our daughter said it made no sense as there would be no one there to see after them when they become too old and frail to care for themselves. Perhaps they, like so many of us, don't see themselves getting to that point. I'm quickly changing my mind about that scenario. There will come a time when we will need to have family close by.
DeleteSpending time with the grandkids is most precious!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteSounds like, although overdue, the family time was worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteMaking memories woth grandkids is priceless. So happy all of you had special time.
ReplyDeleteA perfect visit with all the expected bumps.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time with your grandkids!
ReplyDelete