Scrolling back through my old photos, videos, and memories, I was touched by all of my documented happy memories with Grandma, Grandpa, Papa, and Nana. We are so lucky. Both at work and in my personal life, I see so often the incredible impact grandparents have on the lives of their grandbabies. I've met grandparents serving as guardians, as friends, as teachers, as chauffeurs, as cheerleaders, and as role models. Grandparents are seriously the real MVPs.
Here are 26 reasons why our grandparents are number 1:
1. They break into tears upon hugging you after 4 long weeks apart.
2. They put the Puffs directly into your mouth so that your 6-month-old fingers don't have to work too hard.
3. They crochet you baby blankets and hats for your baby dolls.
4. They grow flowers so that you can smell, pick, and adore them.
5. They babysit so that Mom and Dad can catch a break!
6. They walk on their hands to entertain you.
7. They surprise you with a new playground in their backyard.
8. They buy you a life insurance policy. :)
9. They put your picture on a billboard.
10. They have converted their office into a spare bedroom for you.
11. They have your name (and the names of your cousins!), as well as your artwork, decorating an entire bedroom wall.
12. They teach you how to hit a baseball.
13. They wear your picture (and all of your cousins' pictures) on their tie.
14. They make up games to play with you.
15. They bake warm chocolate chip cookies with and for you and your parents!
16. They come watch your gymnastics, soccer, swimming, and music classes.
17. They buy you a bike 4 months before your birthday just so you don't miss out on an extra summer of fun.
18. They wear your picture (and all of your cousins' pictures!) on their mask.
19. They lay on the floor to play puzzles, "Super Baby," and "See-saw" with you.
20. They fill their fridge with chocolate milk and their freezer with ice cream before each visit.
21. They take you on long kayak rides through Lake Michigan.
22. They throw on their bathing suits and hop in to make bath-time even more fun.
23. They place shoes, bibs, and stuffed animals on their heads to make you laugh.
24. They read you story after story after story after story-- until you fall asleep.
25. They sew your pants when you rip holes in the knees.
26. They teach you about Jesus' love for you and for all!
