The Best Visit

 

Family came to visit and it was everything and more.  Megan, Adam and Audrey stayed for a week and it was a last minute surprise that Kevin and Melissa managed to come for three days and overlap.  So, we were all together, which is always special.

The weather was just about perfect too.  Not quite perfect for swimming, but we turned up the pool heater and it was comfortable.  Audrey loved the pool and the beach which made it so fun. We saw flamingos at Sarasota Jungle Gardens one morning. We read lots of books, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, blew bubbles and just spent a lot of time outside enjoying warm weather.  Their Michigan winter has been pretty frigid, so they all loved the sunshine.

I cooked a lot, but we also had some fun meals out and of course ice cream too.  Nana and PopPop made wonderful memories with so much one on one time.  When you move to Florida, live by the beach and build a pool, these are the memories you dream of making with your family.  Many more memories to come too.

A Very Chilly Visit

 

It was frigid and snowy when my plane touched down in Michigan last week, but since I was there to help Megan and spend quality time with Audrey, I made the best of it.  Megan picked me up at the airport and it was slow going to get home in the middle of a snowstorm, so we decided to mostly stay inside for the next few days.

I played with Audrey, read about 100 books and cuddled for a few episodes of Mickey Mouse Club.  I brought Valentine stickers and we made pictures for her Daddy, PopPop and Auntie. We did go to breakfast one day and lunch another, plus a visit to Meijer Gardens where there is an indoor greenhouse, a cafe and a cute children’s play area.  Usually when I am there we take a lot of walks, but temperatures below zero don’t allow for that.

She is so sweet, funny and happy, so being around her is a pleasure.  I could hear her calling for Nana after her nap or in the morning and that makes my long distance Grandma heart happy.  I am home now and today we face timed with lots of great interaction.  And, the good news is that they will be visiting Florida in a few weeks for some sunshine, pool time and beach time.   I think this long distance style grandma -ing is going to be okay.

A First Birthday Visit

 

We arrived in Michigan reeling from a quick evacuation due to Hurricane Milton, but ready to enjoy time with friends and family and worry about clean up we return.  Of course the main event and the reason for the trip, was our Granddaughter’s first birthday party.  We were feeling fortunate to be there for the party and to spend time with her.  She is so much fun and a happy girl.  The party was filled with “One-toberfest” details including giant pretzels with beer cheese dip, bratwurst, cider and german beer.  Audrey loved her smash cake, made with love by our daughter and she thoroughly enjoyed all the attention.

After the excitement of the party, we relaxed and played with Audrey, but also did all the fall things.  We walked amongst the pretty fall trees and went to an apple orchard for hot cider and doughnuts.  On her actual birthday, Audrey had her first taste of ice cream and that was a big hit.

To round out the visit, we spent some time on Michigan State’s pretty fall campus, attended a wine tasting dinner and our former dinner club with good friends and golfed and had a wonderful dinner at the newlywed’s country club.

We made it home to a devastated city with trees down, fences down, roofs damaged, beaches closed and so many plants and trees completely brown from salt spray and windburn. A lot of work is ahead, but I am trimming, planting and cleaning with so much motivation to get back to normal - and thankful in the midst of so much uncertainty and stress, we can also count our blessings. 

Zoo Day and Picnic

 

There are many fun things I did with my daughters when they were young, but have not done in a very long time. Two of my favorites and theirs were going to the zoo and going to the park for a picnic.  When I was in Michigan, my daughter and I loaded Audrey in her stroller and did both.

We spent a lovely afternoon at the zoo in Grand Rapids.  Audrey loves her stroller and while a little young for the animals, loved the sunshine, people and bright colors of the Lantern Festival.  It is a small, manageable sized zoo and I look forward to many more visits.

Before my flight home and because it was a beautiful day, we picked up lunch and found a picnic table at a park for a quick lunch.  We then pushed the stroller on some pretty paths and I especially enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air before a long travel day.  

Being a grandparent lets you relive the best times of motherhood and I am blessed and happy to experience every moment.

Happy Thursday!

The Best Visit

 

It has been a week since my family left and it has taken that long for me to collect my thoughts.  Having us all together, including our granddaughter was so much fun and really a dream come true.  We were busy, but also spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool. We took the baby along to some fun restaurants and also let her parents have a date at their favorite Venice restaurant too.  The baby had a lot of firsts including first plane trip, first pool time and first time at the beach.  She is the happiest and sweetest baby, with so many smiles for her Nana.

I cooked a lot, but cooking is my love language.  My daughters always appreciate my cooking and a nice table setting.  It makes me happy too.  My house was filled to the brim with baby toys and other necessities and it felt really empty after everyone left.  I now own a portable crib and hope it gets a lot of use in the years to come.

Luckily, we have many dates coming up to see each other, including the bridal shower and christening in a few weeks.  And, of course Melissa’s wedding in the summer.  There always seem to be big occasions to get together, but in all honesty, it is the times just sitting around the dinner table that really make me the happiest.

Happy Thursday!

Cuteness Overload

I spent the past week in Michigan helping Megan while my son in law traveled for work.  She really doesn’t need a lot of help (except with the dog) because she is the best mama and it is a joy to watch her navigate the newborn stage.  Some people are natural with babies and she is one of them.  She constantly talks to Audrey and Audrey looks for her voice.  It is the cutest and we are lucky to have such a happy baby.  

The weather in Michigan was unbelievable and quite warm for early February.  We were able to get out, do some shopping, have lunch and go for many walks with the stroller.  I am so looking forward to many more visits when Audrey is a bit older and we can do fun things like going to the park or the zoo. 

We read our first books together and I sang lots of songs, because it is obvious she loves music.  However, I learned I am quite rusty on the typical nursery rhyme baby songs.  It has been a long time since those songs were in my repertoire and will need to do some brushing up on the words before the next visit.

But for now, I will take all the baby cuddles, the cutest smiles and the sweetest sounds.  Nana time is the best.