Ode to Grandparents

There is something very special about grandparents, and the bond they have with their grandchildren.
My parents are “Nana & Grandad” to the boys. Ethan and Tyler are so lucky (no, make that blessed!) that my parents a) live 5 min away, and b) are willing and able to play an important role in their lives.

For almost 5 years, Mum has been looking after the boys one day/week. At first it was just Ethan, but when Tyler was born she said she would happily continue to look after both of them. Now Ethan is at school, so she just has Tyler for most of the day. Because of Mum’s willingness to help out, we have been able to keep daycare to 2 days/week, which is the maximum we were willing to have them in there. Rob and I do one day/week each, and that’s childcare covered!
Mum & Dad also babysit regularly, which allows Rob and I to have some time together. The boys love to go to Nana & Grandad’s house for a “sleepover”, and I think my parents enjoy it just as much!

But there is much more to the role of “Grandparent” than glorified babysitter (although that job is very much appreciated). I cherish the quality and quantity of time my parents have for the boys. They are never too busy to play at the park, read stories, or make “contraptions” out of cardboard boxes and straws. They are never too busy to listen to silly jokes or play with bubbles. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for the kids, and they jump at the chance to spend time with them.

The typical image of a grandparent involves a fair amount of grey hair, lots of wrinkles, a house that smells like mothballs, and a walking stick or two. But that image is not one to describe my parents! I love the fact that they are still young (53!) and COOL and have lots of time and energy to spend with my kids.

This is them on Christmas Day:

And this is them at Hahei last week:

Thanks Mum & Dad, for the awesome job you are doing. You are so special to us, and we love you!