The boys did great on our first 5 1/2 hour leg, with just one stop at a McDonalds to eat, get a new toy, and run around. Of course the playland was 10x the fun with 2 crazy aunts to play with!
By the time we got to Deland the boys were ready to combust. My Nona's tiny, one room retirement home (chocked full of breakables!) was no place for the boys, so Dana & Lindsey hung out while the we checked out a local park. They could have run around for hours, but after a few minutes, we all met my Uncle Bruce & Aunt Kitty for dinner. It was great to see them, though near impossible to visit much and keep the boys entertained/sitting still/eating & drinking without spilling, etc.. I did my best, but did end up rushing their hyper bodies to the car before the check even arrived. After all of those hours stationary in the car, can't really blame them, I guess.
Here we are with my Nona. This picture cracks me up. Miles looks like he's sitting on a tac. I look like I have the neck of a giraffe (and look like I'm worried I'm about to be cut out of the picture..haha). Griffin is being squished and has some funny sideways face. I really don't care through, we're all with my Nona. I love this woman. Down to my core. I can remember adoring her as a little girl and wanting to be just like her. She collected elephants, so I started collecting elephants. She loved to needlepoint, so I asked her to teach me how to cross-stitch. She loved to cook and I loved being in the kitchen with her, just to be where she was. I especially loved when she made her canella cookies and nuts and bolts. Yum. Now, I just wish that I had more time with her. In our quick, 24-hour trip to Deland, I really didn't get the chance to talk to her at all. Or listen. I love listening to her stories. I was so sad as I hugged her goodbye, because it was so amazing to be right there with her, yet I missing her at the same time.
My Nona has always stayed busy with her hands. When her vision was better, she loved to needlepoint and make quilts. These days, she knits blankets....and blankets....and blankets. She let each of the boys pick one out, which THRILLED them. They took turns laying them out on the floor and folding them up (over and over). They curled up with them immediately in the car and they've been snuggling with them every since.
And we're off again....next stop: Pompano Beach to see Grandma T, Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Mike!
1 comment:
omg. no idea you were embarking on this adventure. how fun ( and a little stressful??). love the nona post and the blankets are priceless. i know what you mean though, not enough time to visit one on one with kiddos running wild.
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