Sunday, March 1, 2009

A House Full Of Grandparents

How lucky are we? We got to have two grandpa's, a grandma, and a Nintendo DS visit us all at the same time! My mom and dad have visited from Utah multiple times but it had been a while and we missed them!

Grandpa Mac had not been to Texas since World War II when as a soldier, his train crossed through Texas on the way to Fort Benning, Georgia. Texas wasn't that interesting in 1945 but when the train stopped in New Orleans, they announced that the war had ended. The MPs quickly gathered all of the soldiers off of Burbon Street and put them back on the train.

Grandpa is 92 years old and tries to golf twice a week when the weather permits. I lured him down here with promises of warmth and green golf courses. But of course, the temperatures were erratic and Texas-like. Grandpa Mac was freezing cold most of his visit. We actually did go to the driving range Friday afternoon, though. Brad, Zach, and Lauren were excited to show off their skills. Abby liked to throw the balls on the green. I got a private golf lesson from Grandpa Mac and it truly improved my swing immediately!
Grandma Bender brought her Nintendo Ds which the kids worshiped. She taught Brad to play Sudoku. My family was excited to sit down to full meals which she cooked. Sorry Mom. I totally made you work while you were here. We cleaned out the pantry and fridge and random closets, etc. We did make it to Sam Moon and Canton as a reward for our hard work, though.
Abigail became Grandpa Bender's little buddy. She takes a bit to warm up to people but then she snuggles right in. She made him play catch over and over and brought him baby dolls to play with. One afternoon their was a couch full of dolls with a grandpa somewhere in the middle.

We went to the Dallas Farmer's Market and La Madeline's for lunch. I'm addicted to their French Dip sandwich. I made everyone sit through a photo shoot Sunday afternoon and we played a wild game of "Spoons" that included several bouts of tears and tantrums.
I don't know if Grandpa Mac will ever come back for a visit. It gets a bit loud and crazy here. He also tripped and hurt his golfing shoulder... but he doesn't want to talk about that. He's a bit bitter and I don't blame him.

What a sweet blessing it is to have so many grandparents who truly want to know us. Mommer and Grandpa Lund are coming to visit in a few weeks! That's two more who love us!

I grew up with Grandma Helen and Grandpa Mac completely involved in my life. They came to every singing and school event. I was always perfect in their eyes. I love that my children know that their grandparents think that they are perfect, too. They get to overlook all of our flaws and make us feel like we are their favorites. Isn't that the role of a grandparent?

Thanks for the visit! Please come again!

3 comments:

Grandma and Grandpa said...

We had such a wonderful time in Texas. Even though the weather was cool, the warmth of your home made up for it. Many wonderful memories. Thanks again!

aglund@lundfamily.com said...

Dear all!!
How special it must have been to have had Grandpa/Great Grandpa Mac with you, along with Grandpa and Grandma Bender. We can just imagine the excitement around your house during their visit. Isn't it a great blessing to have such a wonderful family supporting you throughout your lives?! Zach,Brad, Lauren and Abigail, you will always remember how much love they showed you as you played, Nintendo DS, went golfing, played Sudoko (whatever that is!) especially Great Grandpa Mac as he played dolls with Abigail!
Boy, do Grandpa and I have a hard act to follow!! But know we love all of you too (we just aren't as good at phoning and visiting). Thank you for the wonderful pictures of you all! See you soon. Love always, Mommer and Grandpa

Meghan Parrish said...

Em, your pics ARE amazing! Some day I need a lesson on pics and blogging! So fun to have such great grandparents!