Friday, June 30, 2017

Family by Diane Burton

Our family is here. Most of it. DIL and Toddler Girl flew in last night. Son and the dogs should be here by the 4th. Four hours in a car seat on a plane is too much for a 2-year-old. She did the only thing toddlers are good of at—she slept. Mom had to wake her up to get off the plane. And she was not happy about it.

I’m thrilled they are here. For the past month, Hubs has been baby-proofing the house. Mind you, my kids are in their forties, so it’s been a long time since I’ve caught my fingers in drawers because of the catches.

Toddler Girl gets all shy every time we meet her. (She does the same with her other grandparents who see her every week.) By the time we ate dinner, though, she was sitting on my lap. At bedtime, she sat next to Hubs for a story.

This will be the easy transition. When Son comes, it will be vastly different. They have big dogs. BIG dogs. A 150 pound Great Dane and a 75 pound Lab. (The reason Son is driving.) Our homeowners’ association doesn’t allow fences. So, we’re going to have to figure out how the dogs are going to do their business. Or, as Daughter says, they will have to figure it out. I’m trying not to stress over the dogs. I love dogs. We just haven’t had one for over ten years.

Life sure does change. There’s one thing I’ve learned through the years is how to deal with change. Keep calm, go with the flow. Since I figured that out, I’m calmer and don’t let the curves life throws get me stressed out.

Several people who’ve had boomerang kids have given me all kinds of advice. Considering our experience living with Son and DIL each time we’ve visited, I know we’ll work things out as we go. My other grandkids can’t wait to see Toddler Girl. I’m sure we’ll get a visitor today. The other kid is at camp and doesn’t come home until tomorrow. I imagine she’ll beg her folks to come here first before going home. LOL

This summer will be fun with lots of changes. I may not get a lot of writing done. But spending time with the kiddies is more important.

When I’m not playing with the grandkids, I’m writing another space adventure, the fourth book in my Outer Rim series. I’ll be back here on the 30th of July; on Paranormal Romantics on the 13th; and on my own blog every weekend where I share snippets from one of my books.



12 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Sounds like a house full of love, Diane. Enjoy every minute!

Diane Burton said...

Thanks so much, Leah. It will be a houseful. It's quiet now. I want to go in and wake up Toddler Girl so we can play. LOL

Patricia Kiyono said...

I'm so happy for you, getting all your grandkids back in Michigan. Grab all the hugs you can!

Rolynn Anderson said...

How fun, Diane! In a month, my family gathers in Maryland for a week-long reunion, and I'm looking forward to a good, chaotic time...the youngest grand niece is 8 months old plus three toddlers. My family makes a point of organizing get togethers at least once a year; I try to see my sibs at least twice a year. The hard work is always worth it, building solid relationships, learning how to have fun, coordinating, compromising...all good! I must say, the food prep can be exhausting, but now we divide meals among the families/couples-works so much better than the host family being responsible. Certain people are put in charge of keeping up on ice-making, clean-up jobs, making coffee...for long periods of time, so the jobs get done right. The two big dogs? Now that's a new one for me. Good luck Diane. Take lots of pics and keep track of what works....for next time.

Margo Hoornstra said...

I saw your face when you talked about the anticipated arrival and have no doubt you'll all do fine! As has been said everyone, dogs included, will figure it out and have a ball. Enjoy!

snag61 said...

Diane, I have no doubt you will have lots of stories to share about your "adventures" this summer. But your pure joy was so evident, watching your face light up as you talked about this at our last meeting I know all will fall into place and you will make wonderful memories. I'm happy for you to have your kids and their kids all in the same town. :)

Jannine Gallant said...

We have a large-ish dog and no fence. Lots of walks. When she wants to hang outside, I put her on a long cable so she can walk around, or out on the deck. She spends her day going in and out, in and out, in...you get the idea. Congrats on having your family nearby again.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Diane, what a time you will have. It's always an adjustment for two families to live together, especially related families. Been there, done that. Enjoy the time and yes, stay calm.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Sounds like an adventure for you and hubs, the little family, and the big dogs. Enjoy getting to spend quality time with the grandchild. Make special memories.

Andrea Downing said...

Sounds like what summer is all about--being with family. Have a great time.

Diane Burton said...

Patty, I'm already getting lots of hugs. The grandson came over today to see his cousin. His sister is at camp and quite miffed that he got to see Toddler Girl first.

Rolynn, your reunion sounds great. How wonderful to be able to see everyone often. We've seen quite a few people with a wedding shower, a baby shower, and a wedding within about two months.

Thanks, Margo. I've looked forward to this for months and now it's here.

Thanks, Jannine. I'm thinking a long cable might work. Definitely, long walks.

Annie, thanks so much for mentioning that. I guess I'm a little over the top about both kids in the same town with us.

Brenda, you've had lots of experience with a two-family household. It's a good think my DIL and I get along so well.

Vonnie, making memories is what it's all about.

Andrea, we're going to have a great summer.

Thanks, guys, for all your comments and good wishes.

Alicia Dean said...

Awww, fun!! Yes, it will be an adjustment, but it sounds like you have the right 'keep calm' attitude. I'm sure you will love it! Are they going to be living with you, or just visiting? How are you feeling after your health scare? Hugs and best of luck!