Gramps and Amala

We enjoyed a visit from Gramps and Amala this summer, and they were able to see the kids off to their first day of school.

 

 

They sent Hazel some RBGTea after Hazel gave a school presentation about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

 

 

Camp Gramps

The girls recently enjoyed a fun week in Charlottesville. While Aaron went into the office each day, the girls had fun days with Gramps. (Meanwhile, I was enjoying a quiet week at home, with lots of reading.)

Hazel on the Charlottesville downtown mall. Her hot pink fanny pack is a new prized possession.

Most of our family hikes include at least a few moments of surly protest at the indignity of walking through nature.

Thankfully, they also involve lots of fun, wonder, and discovery.

And who doesn't love throwing rocks into creeks?



 Bird watching off Gramps and Amala's back porch.

Sue (AKA Amala) wasn't able to take time off to be with the girls during the days, but she did give them the most exciting car ride of their lives.

Her convertible was a big hit!

The girls had a terrific time and were very sad to leave at the end of the week. Juniper was especially devastated; I think this was her first serious goodbye since she became old enough to really know what it means to say goodbye to people you love who live far away. She spent the first 20 minutes of the car ride home sobbing, and finally calmed herself down by drawing a picture to express her sadness. That night at bedtime, she told me that she didn't think her heart is big enough for all the people she loves.

Goodbyes are hard, and living apart from loved ones is hard. We can't do anything to change that fact of our modern, mobile lives, but we are all hoping to make Camp Gramps (and Amala) a summer tradition.

Gramps' visit

Aaron's dad came down to Atlanta to meet Hazel, visit with Juniper, check out a big antique show, and be the auctioneer for our preschool's annual auction (and to eat lots of ice cream). He packed quite a lot into a 3-day visit!

Reading with Gramps

Gramps and Amala (aka Norman and Sue) came for a visit this weekend. Juniper was a little suspicious to start with, but she warmed up to them quickly. Extensive repetition of Bear's Day Out is a great way to earn her trust!

Gramps' Visit - Juniper's 1st Business Venture!

Gramps came down to Atlanta a few weeks ago, and brought all the supplies to get Juniper started in her first business!


A full case of "Juniper Dill" scented soaps!




Juniper enjoyed playing with the soap, but she's not such a tough salesbaby yet.



Thanks to Gramps and Uncle Scott for putting together such a fun gift!