Jeremy and Kristalee with JJ
With both families, we are able to Skype over the internet. That helps us feel like we are together, albeit over the cyber highway. Also, talking on the phone helps, although that is sometimes hard with the littler ones. Also, sending mail to the far-away grandkids is something that children love. The best thing, though, is popping off an airplane and running into the arms of screaming children, saying, "Grandpa, Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma!!!"
Truth be known, the real key to long distance grandparenting is the grandkids' mom. And I am so thankful that Meg and Kristalee talk up Grandma and Grandpa, keeping the children up-to-date on what Bill and I are doing.
THE PENNSYLVANIA KIDS
James and Meg live in Reading, PA. Meet Caroline. She is their oldest, age 8. She is in 2nd grade and is Miss Intelligence!!! She is in the honors program at school. One thing that is so unusual about this girl is that she started playing school at a very early age. When we visit her, even to this day, Grandpa and I have to sit down while she teaches us. Grandpa is one of her naughtiest students. He is always getting into trouble!!!!
I love our adult discussions. She loves to read....just like me!!! I've told Jay and Meg that they better buy their shotgun. Caroline will be one beautiful woman!!!! All them boys coming around: BEWARE OF THE PARENTS!!!!
Meet Noelle! Noelle is Miss Personality. She is cute, adorable, and my namesake. They gave Noelle that same middle name as Grandma's......Lynn! At her birth, I purchased one of those baby rings that can be engraved. Hopefully, it will always be special to her!!!
Miss Noelle has the cutest smile and giggle. She lisps somewhat which makes her all the more yummy. Her face is full of expression all the time. She is a "piece of work!"
And finally, Will. He just turned 3. He is the cute little guy with the glasses. He is in constant motion, but is soooooo sweet and adorable. He is joy, joy, joy. He is named in honor of my husband and his father. William (my husband's name) and Robert (Billl's dad's name). And he goes by Will. The whole family came out for the Iowa State Fair in August for a full week. I was able to spend much time with my Will. It was so depressing to see him leave. The other day, James told me a cute story. The family was getting ready to go eat Chinese, It was time to leave so Jay yelled to him to come get his coat on. "I can't go. I have too much homework!"
THE ARIZONA FOUR AMIGOS
Meet our two in AZ - Asher and JJ - and now our two oldest girls in TX. All four of them are delights!!! We have flown all three girls up to Iowa to spend a few days with Grandma and Grandpa. These have been such great memories!!! Asher, daughter of Kristalee, came to join our family in 2004. She came up to Iowa once with Reilly and then one time by herself. What a fine young lady. She loves to read, and is totally in love with PINK. We enjoyed her grateful spirit and fun, giving personality so much. She endeared herself to us when she gave us a biography of Jackson Polluck, the famous American abstract expressionist. Grandpa and I were soooo impressed!
When Ashlan comes up, her priority is seeing the rest of the family. Family tradition is very important to her. She and her sisters are idolized by all the littler cousins. It is like they are famous people when both of them come to visit!!
When Ashlan was here just last summer (2010), Carter was so cute. He'd always have to sit by her and give her hugs!!!
Reilly was up last summer as well. We wanted to see them before they moved to Texas with their mom. Reilly was so excited when Grandpa asked her if she wanted to go out to the Country Club and drive the golf cart. That girl.....she had us driving around the course for 2 hours in 90 degree heat and high humidity!!!! We couldn't get her to stop!!!!!
TO ALL 12 OF MY GRANDCHILDREN, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH WHETHER YOU LIVE CLOSE OR FAR-AWAY!!
I TREASURE EACH ONE OF YOU !!! I THANK THE LORD FOR BLESSING ME SO!!!!
What a lovely brood! Maybe you could pop over to my website and give advice to some other long-distance grandparents. In the grandparents forum, another grandmother was just asking for this type of advice.
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