The gift of Grandparents

Growing up, I recall Mom and Dad calling to our attention what a blessing our grandparents were: telling us stories of their childhood and how their grandparents were much less involved in their lives. The simple reminders instilled a gratitude especially as I grew and saw how they made each of us feel so special, despite their being some 30-40 of us.

Now as a parent, I appreciate grandparents in an even different light

 as I see it benefiting my children (and me!).

 It means so much to have Grannie and Grandpa delight in our kids and know just how much the kids look up to them and feel loved with any and all the attention they are given.

Everything is a treat when Grandpa and Grandma are here!

Thank you Mom and Dad for your visit.

I treasure the moments every time.

 

Our new "lawn ornament": installed by Grandpa of course.

 

Louis knew he could get Grandpa to push him,

he'd grab his finger and use one of his few words (with a pleading tone):

"nan" meaning please.

Early mornings with Grandma.

I admire how she puts the kids first upon rising and looks fwd to herself

reading another chapter in a book they are working through.

The littles of course don't even follow the story, just the fact they are part of the picture with Grannie!

A soccer game ~ picking teams

Feeding the horses, while Dad, Gabby, Drew rode bikes into town for a haircut.

Ziggy's is open! Icecream is a given with Grandpa and Grandma.

Louis was thrilled he got his very own

(accustomed to sharing with Mom and begging for extra bites from his siblings).

What fun to have Gabby with us.

It reminded me of the many times we each got to travel w/our grandparents.

How special it made me feel!

The other day Drew asked me if his two front teeth were the real ones or the babies:

"because they don't look normal", well I suppose its those Nistler/Dieringer genes ~ sorry!
(Another thing from grandparents. :)

They still work good for icecream! 

 



First Holy Communion

What a special day.

 I remember when I was pregnant with you Andrew: I remember every time I received Commununion I would ask Jesus to also share some of the grace with the little one in my womb: You!

Then 3 days after you were born, you were baptized and I remember crying (those darn emotions!) thinking that you would not be able to recieve Jesus in the same way again until your

First Holy Communion, which has came much quicker than I foresaw and felt that day! 

I was worried you were getting more excited about the party afterwards....but what a better occasion to celebrate?! You were more than willing to set up your gift table and put on your suit 8:30am 

(Mass was not until noon!) 

What an honor to have Gabby come back with Grandma and Grandpa to share in the excitement

(The time was just too short!)

 

You had to look serious ~ standing next to Grandpa.

Waiting to proceed in with Fr and the others.

 

 

              Fr. Ken                                                                       Fr. Jonathan

Home for the celebration!

Aunt Emma let you pick out the cake. You told me later,

you did not even ask her to put marshmallows in it, it was just a surprise!

 That face sure reflects your joy and gratitude!

Thanks Aunt Emma ~ it was beyond delicious with all that ganache and brownie underneath.

Finally to the present opening!

"From my Godparents A. Allison and U. Shannon who live in MT" you announced to all.

You have loved these Saint books

(Yesterday, you told Dad: "I just love this so much I cant keep my hands off it")

Fr. Ken and Fr. Jonathan stopped by at different times which was so nice!

I am not sure who was more excited about the gift: Fr. Ken giving it or you opening it! 

 He didn't leave without having you line everyone up for his traditional high 5!

You called on Isabelle first.

 

 

                   ~The next day ~
     your 1st Communion with your class.

 

 

 

Cousins and horseback riding!

Michaela and Katherine were so excited to share their ranch neighbors with us and all the animals, sheep (3 brand new lambs), cows and horses and a mule, which was the best for a novice to ride.

(Transportation there was on foot or of course Grandpa's 4-wheeler.)

 

The real pro.

  

 

Though not a rider, Louis liked being part of the excitement, and would not stop calling out "doggie!"

His vocabulary has yet to be expanded!

Nonetheless, he loved being toted by his cousins.

  

 

Hannah's new buddies: Michaela and Katherine.

She was more excited about seeing them the ones her age! 

I felt bad calling them back home for dinner ~ they were all so entertained.



The Boys sleepover.

 It was quite noble of  Grandpa and Grannie to wake early

and ride with them to the end of road to Aunt Theresa's shrine and then to see the animals.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birthday Buddies ~ December 8th

 

Uncle Matt's Birthday in the gym

 Go Grannie!

Girls in Pink ~ enjoying a coffee and roll after a plane ride with Grannie and Gramps. 

 

And one boy~~~



 

~Thumbs up to a great trip Mom and Dad ~