Accommodating Grandpas

My kids are absolutely in love with both of their Grandpas. Of course, I love them too, but the phrase "conflict of interest" comes to mine when it comes to parental and grandparental roles. Surely other mothers can agree?

This is the motto of both Grandpas seem to embrace. I swear, I have even heard my father-in-law say this!

And let me tell you-- they are veeeeeeery accommodating. 

You want to bounce the basketball on the kitchen floor, sure! Oh, you'd like a drink of my highly caffeinated beverage, you betchya! Oh, you want to talk back and scream at your parents, don't mind me... I'll just sit over here and laugh (egg you on!). 

Their purpose goes further than just giving me a reason to roll my eyes, but to love our little kiddos and build a special bond that only a Grandpa can have. I just love how my kids love their Grandpas and vice versa. 

Today, the kids went fishing with Grandpa Forrest (and Grandma Linda, too). Belle caught her first fish!

My dad came down this evening to help with the pesky mower... and he welcomed Belle hugs even when he was a little preoccupied.

But as we were outside, we began to hear some music in the background coming closer and closer. Jackson was just excited to see a truck go by that played music. But Papa Johne couldn't resist-- and he introduced my children to the fact that musical trucks sell ice cream. My life will never be the same (though I do plan on telling my kids that the ice cream is special treat to be enjoyed with grandparents). 

Jackson was SO excited when he realized he had so many choices of ice cream!

They both ended up with Ninja Turtle ice cream cones. 

Derek and I were blessed to have such great fathers and our kids are equally blessed to have such loving and "accommodating" grandpas. I am so thankful for their presence in our lives... even when I hear stories like, "Grandpa told me that monkeys throw poop!"

Jackson’s exciting adventures

Jackson’s had an exciting week! Monday and Tuesday were routine. He stayed an extra night on Tuesday night so on Wednesday he could tag along with Grammy to go pick up Aunt Ashley from college. He likes going to Zou College.

I picked Jackson up from Grammy in the afternoon, only for him to go over to go spend the night with the other grandparents. And he spent Thursday morning out fishing with Grandpa Forrest!

And then today, we took an impromptu roadtrip down to Springfield to visit Aunt Laura. Belle and I got to tag along on this adventure! I always enjoy going back to campus even though it pains me to think of how long ago it’s been since I was actually an undergraduate student. Feels like yesterday!

Go Bears!

Lunch at the student union—not easy!  

A visit to Jordan Valley Park {which is pretty much my most favorite park ever!}

 

Laura showed us this really cool bridge that goes over train tracks.
Of course that was a huge hit.
 

And a train even went by right under our feet!

Lastly, we went to a Bears baseball game. Jackson has been begging to go to a baseball game ever since we introduced him to the song “Take me out to the Ballgame” that Derek plays on his guitar.

He was really enthusiastic, if you can’t tell!

We got to meet and spend most of the day with Laura’s non-boyfriend.
He’s super cool.

And by we, I mean mostly Belle. She just really wanted him to hold her all day. He was super sweet and obliged to all of her grunts and whines requests.

I was really nervous about taking the kids down to Springfield and  back in one day. That’s a lot of time in the car! But my kiddos turned out to be roadtrip champs. Mostly because they watched movies on the TV {who knew I’d love that feature so much!}.

What an exciting week! And to top it off, the kiddos get to spend all day tomorrow with Derek’s parents while we head out to Rockfest. It should be a good day for everyone!