John and I have long agreed that the best thing we ever did was to spend a little extra, one-on-one time with the great-great grandparents. Yesterday, we visited G-Grandpa Alan and G-Grandma Viv. My kids adore them. Jack wanted, immediately, to plan his next trip to the farm and ride the motorcycles. Xan wanted to know if we could "go to Viv's in seven days." So sweet to know they have a relationship they treasure with both of them. I only vaguely remember Great-grandma Grace. We visited her once in Cardston, and I remember the old-folks-home as being scary and antiseptic. She also didn't know who my mom was, and I found that the scariest part. Such a difference to have great-grandparents who are active and vibrant.
We ate ourselves silly on some great jello salads, Jen's yum oriental salad, and all the chips you could eat! It's always fun to spend a Sunday with the family. Really, that's what living is all about, being together with the only folks who make life WORTH living. It's why we do what we do, right??
I also enjoyed spending time with Cody and Brad---I love the age they are. I know, I do love my toddler, but give me a kid who's 18 and has the world by the horns. That's a person to know. They are so delightful at that age: all is possible, most is probable, and they know no difficulties yet. Such a great age to be, at the cusp of "real life." I can't wait to hear more about their experiences in college---and then the missions!! Kids change so much in 3 years, and it's always a delight to follow that change. I think I'm the only parent on earth who's looking *forward* to those teen years. I've seen thousands of other teens, and I hope I like my own as much as I've enjoyed other people's teen agers!
