Family Time, Finally!

For the last week I have been in Seattle with my son and his family! Finally! My second grand daughter was born in March, 2020 but due to Covid, I didn’t meet her until this week. This has been heavenly. Grand parenting is really the best thing ever.

The kids moved from Vermont to Washington because my DIL is (finally) done with her residency and has started working for a Seattle group of radiologists. With Covid, the move process has been really complicated. They have temporarily moved into a furnished rental while they house hunt. It has been crazy to see what house hunting in Seattle is like. The houses list and then sell within a day or two. So if one pops up that you might be interested in, you have to look at it and decide if you want it, make an offer within the day and cross your fingers and toes that you get it. Talk about a seller’s market. The kids made an offer on one last night but who knows? The realtor says there will likely be at least a 1/2 dozen offers made and all will probably be well over asking price. It is such a crazy time.

While they look at houses and my DIL settles into her new work routine, Ray, Julia and I are here to help out a bit and play with the girls. Let’s just say we have the easy end of the deal. So far we have been to the Rose Garden, the Arboretum and the Zoo. Seattle is really strict about face masks and social distancing. People respect the space of the other people they come across. At the zoo, we had to have an appointed time to enter so they could keep track of how many visitors are in the park. (I will say I thought it was a bit crowded at the zoo though.). The Arboretum was incredible though and there was plenty of room for everyone on the walking trails.

Want to see a bit of what we have been doing?

Checking out this cool tree bark at the Arboretum.

Does anyone know what kind of tree this is? The bark was really interesting. The shiny stripes were as smooth as a silky ribbon. I haven’t seen anything like it but there were quite a few on a path through the Arboretum.

Princess Mirabelle picking wild flowers in the neighborhood

We brought a big surprise to H – A stunning Cinderella dress and a tiara. She is sure the tiara is a ‘magical crown’ and sometimes she closes her eyes with great drama, bows her head deeply, and imagines something magical happening.

Dr. Mirabelle, at your service

Having a mama who is a doctor means you are quite familiar with scrubs and stethoscopes. She likes to play with mama’s real stethoscope which isn’t often available. Luckily she now has her own garb. Isn’t this picture hilarious? I just love it.

Good to the very last drop

After mama’s first day of work, we celebrated with ice cream. What a great treat. This girl does not let one bit go to waste. Julia is still getting used to the mess one three year old can make!

Tubby time happens every night – This is her evening routine and then it is off to bed.

I love watching her play in the tub. She has such a great imagination. She talks constantly and makes up all these scenarios that happen during tubby time every night.

The next part of the bedtime routine is she chooses three stories.

Grandpa and Grammy take turns reading books before bed.

Mornings are the best

What is better than baby snuggles and good coffee first thing in the morning? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Can you do this?

Babies are so flexible. This girl immediately goes for her toes during a diaper change. She loves this game. It is crazy how she can lay her leg against her chest like this. I am fairly certain I would not be successful trying this!

Babies and quilts, the sweetest combo.

Somehow I never made this little one her own special quilt. But I did bring this bright strip quilt up for her. (I have carried kits for this one in the shop for a while – I think there is only one more left though.) She is enjoying a bit of tummy time here. Not her favorite activity but she will play like this for a short time.

We are planning to stay for a while yet so my son and his wife can continue house hunting. Hopefully they will enter into a contract soon. Then we will head home for a while until escrow closes. If they need us to come back up to watch the girls while they move into their house, we will be back in a flash. The joy of being (mostly) retired is the flexibility to go back and forth as needed. With Covid, we are planning to drive rather than deal with airports and flights. I am incredibly fortunate to have a good friend (she is also into sewing and quilting) who enjoys running the shop while I am gone. I don’t think I could have both (the shop and trips to see the kids) without her. I am so very grateful to her for helping out.

Hoping you are all well – hang in there and stay healthy. I am enjoying a moment of quiet – everyone but me and the baby took off for a walk at the beach. I am waiting for a certain chunky monkey to wake up from a very long nap. This is the life!

36 thoughts on “Family Time, Finally!

  1. Kathleen Kingsbury

    How beautiful these babies are!! So sweet, and wonderful you got to spend this time with them. I live ten minutes away from my two and don’t get any cuddle time with them. My DH is too apprehensive. I’m happy for you. And I must say, my hair is identical to yours!! Same color(s), same curl. I always wear it short like your small picture shows, but haven’t had it cut since beginning of February. So I too have mine in a headband, and sometimes in a ponytail when it gets too hot.
    Thank you for sharing your family.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Oh my gosh – all this hair makes me so hot!! It gets so wild too. Sigh.
      I am loving this time with the girls. We all talked about it and felt like it was ‘safe’ since each group (me and my family/my son and his family) quarantine carefully. Now my DIL is working so she is careful to come home and ‘sanitize’, change her clothes, etc. We are being careful as we can. Tough times for sure though. Hoping you get to see your little ones soon.

      Reply
  2. Carol A Elbert

    What fun to see photos of your family! Adorable, and aren’t all of you lucky to have each other? I lived in Seattle in the late 1960s, attending grad school at the U.W., and I remember visiting the beautiful Arboretum. I’m sure many things are different now. I’m happy for you to have this time with your family.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Seattle is quite interesting. There are sections I really enjoy and then others, not so much. I am not really a city person but it is a good place to visit. The arboretum is spectacular. I just loved it and I suspect we will go back again this week. The homeless people are plentiful and that is kind of sad – also quite messy. Lots of tent communities around.
      But really, we are having an awesome time with our family!!

      Reply
  3. Kathy

    What good times you are sharing with your family. It’s so important to have this help when young families are so stressed with so much going on out of their realm so nice you are sensitive to being there for them. It’s the same way with houses here in NYS…..many times people are paying up to and more than $10,000 over asking price just to get the house first. I can’t believe the stories I hear. I think I will stay put for a long long time as I can’t imagine looking and going through that process. I hope they get settled in an area they want. Your grandkids are adorable and do enjoy your time together.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Well, they didn’t get the house they put an offer on. So they will continue looking. It is just nuts. Hopefully they will get one soon though. We are so happy to be able to come up here and help out. That is what grandparents are for, right?

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Me too Judy – It feels like we are practically neighbors, compared to having them live in Vermont. I am thrilled.:-)

      Reply
  4. Roseanne

    Hi Bernie! This is just the BEST post. I love every.single.thing.about.it. We have similar aged greats – a 3-year-old who’s mom is a nurse and love to play with the stethoscope and odoscope. And a 4-month-old who looks so similar to your newest granddaughter. He’s just rocking on his knees and arms – doesn’t quite know that he could move around if he would put the movements together. Isn’t life just grand!! Many, many, many good wishes for them finding a house they love. Getting settled into a new house with a new job is rough – it sure is fabulous that you can help them out. I don’t even have to say savor every moment because I know you are. {{Hugs}} a bunch and safe travels!! ~smile~ Roseanne

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Life is truly grand. My littlest girl isn’t ready to get up on all fours yet but she is determined to sit up all the time! She insists she is far too cool to just lay around. 🙂
      We are having a wonderful time and enjoying each minute.

      Reply
  5. Laurie Lasala-Tuttle

    Oh Bernie, I’m so very happy for you!! Such love & goodness during this unbelievable time in our lives! Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos & your daily activities with us. Such luck that they’re back on the west coast, as I wouldn’t want to fly either. ❤

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      It is such a fantastic diversion from all of the weirdness of Covid. We are still having to deal with it – masks everywhere, being so careful if we do venture out, but we are all together. It is a really awesome to be together for a while.

      Reply
  6. Wendy

    The best post I have read all day! Seeing all your smiling faces, and reading about life in Seattle (hope they get the house!). I’m pretty sure baby toes might taste better than my old battered and beaten ones, and I know I’d could never contort my old bod that way – LOL. Just so much cuteness! Enjoy every minute!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Well, they didn’t get the house. It went for wayyy over asking. The kids did bid over asking but yikes – people are just going crazy these days. So they are back on their computers looking at listings. They will meet with the realtor on Friday and Saturday and we are hoping something comes up that they like. As for the kids, it just doesn’t bet better than this! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Mari

    These are the best pictures, Bernie! All happiness in this post. The picture of the tiny gitl with her foot in her mouth made me laugh out loud. They are so adorable, and I’m sure you’re having the best time. I’m so glad you get to be with them for a while. I’d tell you to have fun, but it looks like you already are. Safe travels home!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Glad you enjoyed the pictures Mari. I figured I had time to post earlier today. Everyone took off for the beach and I stayed home while A napped. She slept for three hours!! So I had lots of time to write and just hang out. She is really such an easy baby. I hope you get some time with yours sooner rather than later. It is the best.

      Reply
  8. Carol Dean Jones

    Bernie, how special that you would share so much of your vacation experience and family with us. The children are adorable and I know you must be so happy to have them closer to you. It must have been very difficult having that sweet baby all the way across the country! And the little girl! What a doll. Enjoy!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I was watching the baby this afternoon and she took a three hour nap! So, I was here with some extra time and thought I would write up a post. It is nice to have these to look back on since they grow up so fast.
      I hope you are feeling better now. Keep in touch Carol!

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      For sure – I feel like I can have the best of both worlds. Today is a rainy Seattle day and I am loving it. At home it has been in the high 90’s so this is such a reprieve. Ahhh…..

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      No, I hadn’t heard that. Thanks a bunch!! They were such cool trees. I just googled them and that is for sure what we were looking at. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Vicki in MN

    Wonderful you finally got to meet your newest grandbaby! Fabulous that they are now closer to you.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Right?? It has been so nice to spend time with both girls – The baby has such a sweet disposition and the 3 year old is really into imaginative play. I am loving it.

      Reply
  10. B2

    What a great blog! I’m so glad you’re enjoying such wonderful family time—and yes, being retired absolutely rocks!! 💕💕💕

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Totally the best – I love having this flexibility. Andrew and Naomi were asking if we might be able to stay longer since they didn’t get the house they bid on and it will take more house hunting. Hmmm, I guess we can…. Haha. Hope you and Randy are doing well. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Emily

    What a ridiculously adorable baby!! So glad you are all able to be together! Seattle sounds like a crazy housing market indeed! There is one area of Charlotte that is like that, but it’s not the whole city. I hope you continue to enjoy those sweet granddaughters!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I am sure there are parts of Seattle that aren’t as ‘desirable’ but the areas they like and want to buy in – jeez, it is nuts. Like any city or urban area there are some not-so-great parts. It has been fun to walk around the city but I am not one who would live in a city.

      The girls are wonderful.
      Also – when I get home – I need to send you some pictures – the accuquilt 5″ die I got seems to cut a rectangle – something like 5″ x 4.8? I don’t know what I am doing wrong? I cut a ton of squares without really focusing on it and I realized they aren’t really measuring right. I am hoping I did something wrong?

      Reply
  12. Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts

    How wonderful that your kids are moving closer and you can spend some time with those adorable girls! Loved all your pictures! Good luck to your son and DIL on the house hunt – that does sound crazy.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I know we are still two states apart but it is soooo much more reasonable than Vermont. For some reason I love having them in the same time zone too. We were always checking to see who was doing what during the day before we talked – it just seems closer. Silly little things…..

      Reply
  13. Kathleen McCormick

    What a thrill to be with your grandchildren! I have a 2 grandnieces that I have no idea when I will meet them. Oh, so much fun to see the toes in the mouth! The older one is adorable and what a great time to be with them. I know you will enjoy your stay and rush back as soon as you are needed!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Yes – it does have quite a similar feel to SF. The traffic isn’t quite as bad but the city has the same vibe. (Actually the lesser traffic is likely just due to people working from home, now that I think about it.) It is a nice place to visit but if I lived up here, I would choose to be outside the city by quite a ways. I am a country girl for sure.

      Reply
  14. Rebecca Grace

    This is so beautiful to see and read, Bernie! So much joy in these pictures. And those chubby little baby thighs — it doesn’t get better than that. So glad you’re getting this time with your family!

    Reply
  15. Tracie

    Oh, those fun grand babies! They are so cute. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been to wait for time in person. I’m glad you can soak it up!

    Reply

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