Well, all week we've had two of our three grandchildren, Elias & Ruby (a.k.a. 'Grankies') at our home.
There are reasons we love having them and there are reasons, hopefully, they love coming. For instance:
- We're always up for an adventure. Whether it's a nature walk thru our woods or jumping on the rocks at Lake Michigan, we love getting outside as much as the Grankies do.
- We know a lot of stories. Some of them are even true.
- We let them get wet -- in the sprinkler -- at the lake -- anywhere there's water.
- We aren't afraid to be silly. If it's a funny mask or a weirdo hat, we'll put it on, make faces, and dance around the room. They're 4 and 2 -- who are they going to tell?
- We let them take their sweet time. They don't have to get rushed getting dressed in the morning or be 'right on time.' Live and let live. They know we'll wait.
- We make a great audience. When they want to show us something - draw something - read something - paint something - we can't wait to watch, listen and applaud.
- We can, with authenticity and authority, tell them stories about their moms because - well - we knew them pretty well as children.
- We make great popcorn. Boom.
- We overload them with ice cream, shakes, popsicles, suckers and Jelly Bellys.
- We put their pictures, no matter what they look like, right there on the fridge.
- We lay in the bed in the dark at night next to them longer than we should - rub their backs longer than they need - and read an extra book or two until they drop off.
We want to make every day we can a special one. We love them unconditionally. It's been a great Grankies week. Now that they're going home, we are happily collapsing.
And be blessed.