Grateful Friday

 We are having such a wonderful time!

I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time together.  Talia and Jackson and Kain are these grown up, interesting and fun to talk to people and I have loved watching them interact with our kids.  There has been a lot of laughter and reminiscing and it feels great.  They pulled out photo albums and remembered all the events surrounding the pictures.  They talked about the mints Grandpa Linn had in his car and laughed at each other's hairstyles and poses.  They shared a lot of good times and I am just so grateful for the happy childhood Linn and Geri created for those kids.

I have loved reading to QE.  I love when she takes my hand and wants me to go upstairs and play with her.  She asks, "Want to play, Nana?" and I am powerless to say no.  Sometimes she just says "C'mon Nan" as she casually walks away, confident I will follow her anywhere.

At one point yesterday we were walking upstairs and she said, "I love you, Nana."

That is all I need in the world.

She discovered the glory of Megan's My Little Ponies from the 80s and Megan sat on the floor and combed pony hair with her.  At one point Anna took her to the backyard.  I was washing dishes and Braeden was drying and he sighed the happiest sigh when he looked out the kitchen window and saw his daughter tromping through the wet grass with her rain boots just like he used to do.

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious and Geri always does a spectacular job orchestrating it all.

I'm grateful to be part of this family.  For nearly 30 years, they have made me feel welcome.  They've tolerated my quirks and lack of athletic ability and no desire to camp.  They've given me a seat at the table anyway.

Family is a pretty great thing and I'm grateful.