A Week With Gammy & Pops

"Over the river and through the woods to . . . "

Wait you two do not need to travel over the river and through the woods to spend the week with Gammy and Pops.  You can just toddle downstairs or call for "Gammy" or "Pops".

In 2013 we were looking for a larger home to accommodate our children looking more like adults.  We didn't have enough elbow room let alone bathrooms.  No teenage boy enjoys sharing a bathroom with two sisters and NO mom enjoys the daily morning arguments that ensued over shower time and long hair.

Our search took us back to a neighboring town we did not expect to move to.  As we walked through our home Sean and I looked at all the possibilities that met our immediate needs, but the ones we were most excited about were the pictures in our mind of this home filled with our children's families, especially grands.

One of our goals was to have Grandparent Summer Retreats with the Grands as soon as they were old enough.  We talked of remodeling Harrison's room with twin beds and a big tv for movie nights and slumber parties.  We dreamed of playing in the yard, bonfires with s'mores, frosting cookies in the kitchen and taking them to the beach.

We didn't want to leave out our children, but this special retreat was for Gammy and Pops to spend time with their grandkiddo's, give them time with cousins and spoil all of them as much as we wanted.  

Our dream still exists, but it has adjusted a bit.  We don't own a home, we live with Cutie E and Cutie O and we will be moving every few years.  No matter, we will figure out a way.  

Last week we had our first Gammy & Pops Retreat.  In many ways it felt like all we had hoped for.  Sean and I slumber partied on the top floor in the spare bedroom, we took naps, watched "CARS", jumped on the beds, helped Pops with a couple of projects, visited Home Depot so the boys could drive the Car Cart, had McDonalds for lunch, took a ride to a state park, played outside and even went to the park.

The week started our super cold, so indoor activities were best.  That helped since all four of us had colds and one Cutie O was cutting 4 chomper teeth at the same time.  

My favorite time with the boys wasn't where we went, but the cozy moments at home.

Each night I sat next to Cutie E at dinner.  On night 3, he says, "Gammy" and reaches over and gives me a big hug.  He did this all on his own.  His first real show of affection without being prompted.  I felt so special.

One evening after cleaning the kitchen from dinner Sean played on the floor with the boys.  When he laid flat they would tackle him, try to tickle him or surf on his back.  I remember him doing that with our own kids.  Listening to the giggles, rough house noised and tumbles brought back many fond memories.

Bath time was a blast.  Those two boys are like little fish swimming around, floating, and playing with the coolest bathtub toys.  Sean and I were amazed watching Cutie E take apart the Waterworks Pipe Toy, then use the pitcher to pour water into the top and plug up the pipe so he could stop up the water.

Holly ordered them the coolest Emergency Car light up bathtub toys.  These cars light up when they are in water.  The boys would drive them all over the tub.

And who doesn't need a Whale Sprinkler in their bath.  Our grandsons.  This whale is adorable.  The boys love to play with the water that it sprouts up, watch him float and light up.

Bath time was really the best.  Sorry no pictures 😂

When the weather finally warmed and noses dried up we headed back to our favorite park, this time we took Pops.  The boys showed him all of their favorite things to do.  Climbing, running, the slide and swings.  Cutie E asked Gammy and Pops to swing with him, he even assigned us specific swings.

Our first Gammy & Pops Retreat was a success.  Even with colds, runny noses and cutting teeth we had a wonderful week with the boys.  They were super excited when Mommy and Daddy came home, we were too. 

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