My Grandparents...

My grandparents are some of the coolest people I know.  I have been lucky enough to keep them now for 34 years!  Not everyone in this world is lucky enough to have grandparents that you can actually get to know, and know you and your kids!

My granddad worked for a railroad company for many many many years and did all sorts or work with that company.  He retired 20 some years ago and has been an avid tennis player, hiker and skier until his body just wouldn't let him do that any longer.

I felt like everywhere we went, we were surrounded by rails and this just reminded me of my Grandpa.

My grandmother was a stay at home mom to her 4 kids, and was able to get her college degree when she was a bit older as well.  She is also an avid tennis player, loves to walk and is sassy and opinionated.  She makes great cookies and a great brisket!  

My grandparents have been married for 62 years now.  We were fortunate to get to drive out to visit them as they live 1300 miles away.  However, it was one of the greatest and most relaxing times of our vacation.  My littlest is still asking to go to great grandma's house and really enjoyed hanging out with both grandma and grandpa.  My older got to help make cookies and make grandma a friendship bracelet.  My hubs got to fix a few things around the house for grandma and she was asking him to stay.  :)  I miss them as well, but we will get to see them in a month when they come out here!

My grandma has asked all of her kids and grand kids to make lists of the things of hers that we want when she either sells the house or, for when she and my grandpa are gone.  I have heard that people think this is somewhat morbid, or has gotten some negative reaction from my aunts/uncle.  But, my grandmother is a planner - and this is what comes naturally to her.  She understands that her family will want things to remember them by, and she can make the transition easier by planning where all the stuff will go.

Morbid or not, I had a great time scrounging through cabinets and closets and asking questions about all the wonderful trinkets and art that my grandparents have collected.  I loved hearing about my grandparents' parents and grandparents.  I loved seeing a kettle and 2 mugs from 1891, when my great great grandmother received them as a wedding gift!  Seeing the baby plate and bowl that was my grandfathers, or the candle holders that my grandparents received from their wedding.  Or, the china that was my great grandmothers, and her hutch which used to be in her house.

This type of history is so interesting to me.  I did sign up for so many things!  I hope one day, as I pass these on to my kids or grand kids that they are as awed by the history of some of this as I am.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa for a great visit and a wonderful time!!!

Sunrise over the mountains as we left my grandparents house.