The day after Thanksgiving, CJ and I hopped a train south to spend the weekends with my parents.
Jay had decided to spend the weekend chained to the house (literally).
Being at Grandpa & Nana’s house is THE BEST.
Each morning, I stumble downstairs around 9am and mom hands me a fresh cup of coffee with cream while dad hands me one of his hot-from-the-oven muffins. CJ has been up and well entertained for a couple of hours at least.
Days are relaxing. I have a soft squishy couch and a roaring fire. There is NO housework to taunt me. When CJ needs something, there’s always someone else to yell “I’ll get it!” (Oh how I LOVE those three words!)
And CJ? He has non-stop entertainment and a rapt audience for his many and wondrous tricks. New and interesting toys. A seemingly UNENDING supply of treats. Places to go! Things to do!
We go to the local Farmer’s market. To parks and playgrounds and the library and yummy restaurants. We eat salmon and homemade bread and my mom’s famous chocolate cake.
On Saturday, mom and dad drive us into Portland to take their little grandson to the BEST PLAYGROUND EVER at Washington Park. CJ runs around, plays, romps and generally has an excellent time despite the freezing cold.
COLD! It is SO COLD!
When my appendages can take no more of the coldness, we get back in the car. Then mom and dad take their little girl (me) to the BEST PLAYGROUND EVER for the 25+ female crowd — Nordstrom Rack.
(tax free!)
I run around, play, romp, and generally have an excellent time.
And it is much warmer.
In fact, if you look closely, you just might see a hole burnt out of the bottom of my wallet.
Last night, as we are preparing for bed, CJ asks me, “Is there just ONE more sleep till we go home, mommy?”
“That’s right, CJ” I tell him.
“But mommy, I want to stay for TEN more sleeps.” He pauses, thinking. “I want to stay for a MILLION sleeps.”
I smile and run my fingers through his soft hair. “I know, CJ. But daddy would miss us too much.”
CJ thinks about this. “I miss daddy,” he concedes, “but maybe he can come here. I want to stay here FOREVER.”
I know what he means. Life at Grandpa and Nana’s house is pretty doggone good.
CJ and Grandpa building houses
***
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xo Jen
November 27, 2007 at 6:26 am
I know what you mean. Going home is the best. Although why didn’t I think that as a teenager?
November 27, 2007 at 7:01 am
Sleeping in late and then coming downstairs to the smell of breakfast (okay brunch!)already cooking has got to be one of the best things ever.
November 27, 2007 at 7:31 am
There was nothing like having my own kids to make me appreciate how awesome my parents really are. Your parents sound great. In fact, i think I might like to go and spend a sleep or two at their house.
November 27, 2007 at 7:55 am
Bloggergirls weekend at your parents! WhooooHoooo!
November 27, 2007 at 9:23 am
Sounds like a wonderful time! I love visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s house!
November 27, 2007 at 9:24 am
Awwwww… I know what you mean. Luckily my mom and dad don’t live far away, and since they took care of daughter when I had to return to work, their home is HER second home. They love having her around, and she them. We are so lucky.
November 27, 2007 at 9:55 am
Awww, that’s so sweet.
It’s official…I have grandparent envy.
You are blessed to have such grandparents for CJ.
November 27, 2007 at 10:32 am
That sounds fantastic! Luckily for me Gramma and Granpa are only twenty minutes away but there is definitely a difference when you’re making a big visit rather than just stopping by. Grandparents are the best, of course they’d probably say Grandkids are the best though. Both sides win.
November 27, 2007 at 11:04 am
Can I go stay with your mom and dad ?
November 27, 2007 at 12:55 pm
mmm…that’s how i’d hoped my week with my parents would go…oh well! maybe when the boys are older…????
glad you had a good time!
November 27, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I know just what you mean. I love being someplace else for awhile and having housework/cooking/childcare duties somewhat relieved.
I do love burning a hole in my wallet, too!
November 27, 2007 at 4:11 pm
How sweet! Do you think I can put my kids on the train to visit your parents?
November 27, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Um, I want to come with you next time. Seriously, sounds divine.
November 28, 2007 at 11:05 am
I agree. Unfortunately, my parents live to close for us to have sleep overs, bummer!
November 29, 2007 at 9:44 am
That kids park in WA Park is amazing, is it not!? I was fascinated when they put it in – all that rubber flooring.
November 29, 2007 at 3:20 pm
We say “Wake Ups” as in “How many more wake ups ’til my birthday, Mommy?” “Only 3 more wake ups.”
November 29, 2007 at 6:37 pm
You’re right. There’s nothing better than going home as an adult. Why does my parents house seem so much SMALLER now than it did back then?