June 25, 2006 8:21 AM
Big weekend
Tripp went "over the mountain" - that's what they call going over the comparatively small but still quite beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains - yesterday to fetch five of our grandchildren (Timmy, Patrick, Andrew, Jeffrey and Trinity) whose parents are going to a wedding in New Jersey today. First they went to Andrew's softball game, then here for pizza, fun with the uncles and snuggling up for High Noon (highly recommended - see this review). They always look forward to watching Westerns with Grandpa.
Now Tripp is making pancakes and I ducked in here to share before we get ready to take this crowd of 15 to church. Have to leave early to make sure we can sit together - you big families know what I mean :) And actually there are several families like ours at church that have 10 or more children and are still raising their youngest while their oldest are rewarding them with grandkids.
After church I will take my grandchildren to lunch, then to see Sophia, Maddy, and Jonny's play. The barbecue we were invited to was just cancelled due to rain, so I guess it will be our own barbecue (I just pounded some chicken breasts and put them in marinade), then probably more Westerns.
They'll be here all day tomorrow, too - but Jonny, Jesse, Daniel and Justin are starting their beloved summer camp, which is good because Jesse and Daniel especially need more structure in their days. It's easy having the grandkids here because since we still have young children the house is still set up for them. Our family room has low tables and chairs and all the manipulatives, blocks, puzzles, coloring books, etc. Their mom and I have similar values about limiting TV and video games, so they really entertain themselves - and will have fun with Maddy home. The big uncles will be at work and Sophia is volunteering at a summer drama camp for little kids.
My life is full. I know it's not for everyone, but for someone like me - who likes a kind of kaleidoscopic stream of activity - having a big extended family is a blast! You moms of lots of little ones have so much to look forward to!! But don't forget to enjoy where you are now because that part of the motherhood journey slips by all too quickly!
Comments
Sounds like a time that all the kids will remember when they grow up--fun and laughter and happiness all together.
My just married son and new daughter-in-law were just here for church and lunch with us. They came "over the mountain" to get here, too :) She was talking about getting a vehicle big enough for all them when they have their 12 children. I thought it was fun listening to young love make plans like that. :) Grandmothering, here I come!
Posted by: Deb | June 25, 2006 3:02 PM
Just curious Barbara......
Where is your view of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Mine's in NC.
It is very refreshing to hear someone write about the Blue Ridge mountians. Just wondering if we see the same view.
Christy :)
Posted by: Christy | June 27, 2006 12:31 AM
Hi Christy -
I can't see the Blue Ridge Mountains from my house, but they are just about everywhere to the west as I drive around western Loudoun county. I am in the northwest corner of Virginia - 20 minutes from the southern Maryland border and 25 minutes from the West Virginia border. Later today I will be posting some pictures of Josh and Hattie giving horseback riding lessons to Jesse and Daniel - and you will see the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.
Posted by: barbara | June 27, 2006 11:34 AM
