Family Relationships

I have just returned from dropping off my parents to the airport after the Christmas gift of their presence here over the holidays.  It was an incredible two weeks, although I wrote off the first week as I was down with a horrid head, chest, throat cold-thingy.  I'm a pretty pathetic sick person at the best of times, and with the holidays around the corner, parents, a toddler and a husband, week one of their visit was pretty much a nightmare for me.  You could say I was Mrs. Grouch most of the time, although my family don't seem to think it was as bad as I have made it out to be!

However, week two really made up for my misery I think.  It was Christmas after all, and my parents were here for the first Christmas in over 8 years!  It was magical for me to watch them with Buddy.  I have always said that grandparent-grandchild relationships are priceless and crucial in one's life.  I believe that more than ever now.  There were some GREAT moments made ... here are just a few snapshots from our Christmas together.  (I have over 1000 snapshots just for the 24th and 25th alone!)

Playing piano with Grandpa wasn't necessarily a daily thing, but even more special when it was Twinkle, Twinkle with him!

And with Nanny it was all about the cuddles and reading!

Or snugglin while watching Thomas and Friends!

Christmas Eve Dinner and Service with friends and family

Big thank you hugs and kisses for Nanny

And a Christmas Day walk with the family meant holding Grandpa's hand so not to slip on the icy road!

Of course playing trains with Grandpa was always the highlight of EVERY day!

And this evening we had to say goodbye to them at the airport.  I wondered how Buddy would respond.  Not yet two, he has some concepts to understand.  However, he got this one!  Once he gave some kisses and waved goodbye, he wouldn't stop saying "Mommy ... Nanny, Pa, Nanny, Pa".  He must have said it 7 or 8 times on our way home, each time bringing a tear to my eye as I realized that he was understanding it to a certain degree.  The one thing that comforts me tonight is that Buddy and I will be flying to England to spend a week with them, my sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins in just a month.  That will be another memory making holiday that will be captured with tons of pictures!  I'm just so thankful for planes and cameras, two very special blessings that keep me in contact with my family. 

Thank you mom, dad for spending time with us this Christmas.  I look forward to 2009 and seeing you much more!