Grandma Dana visits the tiny tots

It was so unbelievably wonderful to have my mom in town for a 5 day weekend. We had perfect weather, as we always do when Mom comes to town, so we were able to celebrate the final days of summer with so many fun outings and adventures.

I love my mom. Parenting shows you how much your parents love you and have done for you, and my mom and I have bonded even more over these last few years. Her last visit to Seattle was when Nora was born, and that was a hard time. So much transition and several nights away from me made Elliott really clingy to me (understandably.) As such, he and mom didn’t get to connect as much as they usually do. Not this time. Elliott loved Grandma!!! On the morning of her departure, I explained to Elliott that Mom was leaving to go back to her house. He said “But mama, this is grandma’s house.”

It’s hard to raise 2 tiny children, and there are plenty of times when I wonder if I’m doing a good job. Mom knows this, and was nothing but incredibly supportive, kind, and had a great sense of humor about it all. If Elliott would act up, I would talk about it with mom afterwards. Her response “He’s three, what do you expect? He’s only acting on the things we all feel, he just doesn’t hide it. He’ll get easier in another year. You’re doing it the right way, not yelling and being patient.” These words were so good to hear, and I will remember them in the weeks and months ahead, when doubt will inevitably creep in.

The kids really were champs. We were on the go a lot, and they just rolled with it. Skipped naps and a lot of time in the car, could have been too much. But the fun they had with Grandma just made it all work out really well. Back to back days of grandma treats and ice cream didn’t hurt, either. 🙂

And so, the photos of our trip. I’ll just go through chronologically. Mom wasn’t even here 24 hours before she rolled up her sleeves, went into the garage and broke out the gardening tools. We needed the help!

Then we hit Kubota Gardens, a gorgeous Japanese garden on the south side of town. Elliott loved the waterfalls and Nora loved the open field on which to crawl endlessly!

Saturday we pulled out all the stops and took mom to Mt. Rainier National Park. It took over 2 hours to drive there, then lots of time in and out of the car as we saw various sites. The way home took another 3 hours. But it was worth it. There are few places more beautiful.

Sunday we went on the Lake Union ice cream cruise with Abbey and her family. Again, a perfect day to soak in the scenery.

Monday Jeremy returned to work, so mom and I took the kids to the community center. Elliott had his first sports class, and Nora loved the gym. She is a total slide lover.

Lunch at Ivar’s, mom’s favorite clam chowder.

We came back home and planted a blue iris Elliott picked out from Lowes.

And finally, just some lovely, heartwarming pictures of mom and the kids.

We miss you so much around here, Grandma! Please come back soon!