The week that was
The house is still and quiet as the chatter of young voices is gone. The house is almost back to normal and the routine in place that was interrupted the week before.The week the grandkids came to visit without parents is over for another year. Order has been restored, but I really don’t want it to be. I love the excitement, giggling, cajoling, and all the other trappings they bring.
We started this annual visit several years ago. At first, it was just the older grandchild who could handle being away from home. Then three years ago, the youngest made the transition and has been coming ever since.
The two from out of state join the older two who live here, and it makes for an exciting, rousing time. As the older two have entered the teenage years, they can’t spend as much time with us, but we do as much as we can.
The week is very full, and they don’t let you forget any activity that we have done in previous years that needs to be repeated, including drive-in movies, miniature golf, museums, parks, shopping, playgrounds, tree climbing, and more shopping.
They also don’t let us forget if we did not get to do one of the revered activities and insist that a promise be made that it will be done next year.
Making slime has been a highlight for the past two summers--we started out disastrously but improved over time. Hopefully, slime will go out of popularity soon!
Trips are also part of the activities including Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Last year, we took a cruise around Baltimore to learn all about the history of the area. Museums in Washington were a big highlight with possible return visits.
When we visited the George Washington Office Museum, the highlight of the trip was a lock of hair included in the exhibit. Never sure what will stick with them!
My favorite activity is when I can bring them here or take them home on the train. They give into my passion for trains when it is feasible. Free wifi is a real attraction for them as well as the café car. The trip can be a little long but usually worth the time.
We are so glad we can still keep up with them. Of course, when it is all said and done, we spend time afterward totally resting and relaxing.
For those grandparents who have never tried this, please give it a whirl if at all possible. But be prepared--it takes a tremendous amount of energy and some recuperation time after they leave.
For those who have, keep it up as long as you can. We hope to keep it up for many years. One thing for sure is having and raising children is for the young, but the old get to enjoy them in short doses and that is the way it should be.
Rest up, get your house ready, put everything else on hold, stock up on food, and have a ball!!
They also don’t let us forget if we did not get to do one of the revered activities and insist that a promise be made that it will be done next year.
Making slime has been a highlight for the past two summers--we started out disastrously but improved over time. Hopefully, slime will go out of popularity soon!
Trips are also part of the activities including Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Last year, we took a cruise around Baltimore to learn all about the history of the area. Museums in Washington were a big highlight with possible return visits.
When we visited the George Washington Office Museum, the highlight of the trip was a lock of hair included in the exhibit. Never sure what will stick with them!
Dinosaur Land is definitely a must see but not every year. It is great for adults too.
The Family Drive-In Theatre provides a great evening of entertainment. What could be better than relaxing in the back of a pickup truck and watching a movie?
My favorite activity is when I can bring them here or take them home on the train. They give into my passion for trains when it is feasible. Free wifi is a real attraction for them as well as the café car. The trip can be a little long but usually worth the time.
We are so glad we can still keep up with them. Of course, when it is all said and done, we spend time afterward totally resting and relaxing.
For those who have, keep it up as long as you can. We hope to keep it up for many years. One thing for sure is having and raising children is for the young, but the old get to enjoy them in short doses and that is the way it should be.
Rest up, get your house ready, put everything else on hold, stock up on food, and have a ball!!
You are very lucky!
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