Time with the Grandparents

32 years ago yesterday I inherited a wonderful family when my father married my step-mom. I did not fit in with her family very well at first, for sure. Their family was refined and socially respected. I was a hippy child who for the most part and had no idea about things like: not wearing your pajamas to the breakfast table.. or ALWAYS writing thank you cards..answering politely or being quiet. My spare time and activities at age 10 mostly consisted of playing with animals, and running barefoot in the mossy woods or on the lovely Puget Sound beaches.. I had no idea what in the world an opera was or what a new car smelled like. It was a clash of cultures for sure. I was the first grandchild.. and I am sure they did not know *what* to do with me! :-) They so kindly welcomed me into the family though.. I remember my step mom's younger sister Libby especially taking pity on me and helping me along during those awkward times. There was one thing that stood out above all with this family.. they were Christians. I had never even met a Christian before, not that I had been aware of at least. I had never heard the salvation message and only knew that Jesus was a baby that we sang about at Christmas time. Although it was a while before I too turned my life over to the Lord, I am blessed by the Christian influence they brought into my life.

We had been invited by Grandpa to come out to McMinnville for a visit. We usually only end up seeing the family at Christmas or Thanksgiving and so wanted a chance to visit one on one, especially before heading back to Belize. My Mom had been planning a trip out also so we were able to pick her up from Beaverton and bring her along with us. It was special to spend the day with she and her parents. The drive was lovely.. the ripe wheat fields were especially stunning. So beautiful!

A sweet pic of Nonnie, Amanda and Laura

 

 I love this photo of Grandpa and the boys

 

The boys were thrilled that grandpa let them do some pruning!

 

Next the children headed to the blueberry patch!

 

Mmmmmm!

Grandpa teaches the family bocce ball! It took us a while to catch on.. once we got it,

we enjoyed playing it most of the day

 

Hmm.. whose turn is it?

 

Whose ball is closer to the pallino ball?

 

The boys call grandpa over for a verdict

 

 

me and my honey! (or is it my honey and I?)

It's the ladies' turn!

 

The ladies wander around admiring the grapevines

 

 

 

 

The older girls enjoyed touring Nonnie and Grandpa's gardens,

 admiring the pretty flowers and delectable berries

 

 

It was so sweet to spend time with my Barb-mom

Nonnie patiently listens to Laura's chattering

 

Visiting on the cool patio

 

 

The girls play happily while the grown ups visit

 

Uh Oh! Now they are getting wild! Time to head home!

 

It was such a wonderful time with Nonnie and Grandpa. Beautiful weather and wonderful company. As a PS to this post, a few days after I started this post I was able to spend some special time with my aunts, step mom, sister and cousin from this side of the family. It was so fun to talk about old times and reminisce..