One of the great joys of being retired and living back in BC again is that we have ample opportunity to spend time with our four grandchildren. Two live near us on Vancouver Island, and two live in Northern BC.
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Exploring Qualicum Estuary
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In the first half of the summer, we did several excursions with the two who live nearby. They are 5 and 8 years old.
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E Claims his Private Island
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Let's Build a Castle
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The favourite destination on "Grandma Days" is the big playground at the Parksville Community Park.
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We Love to Climb
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"Climb on, Grandma. We're taking off."
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| Ice Cream Cones, then a Walk on the Boardwalk at Parksville |
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| Testing the Adult Gym Equipment |
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A Swim and a Picnic at Spider Lake
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Bike Ride
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Because our other set of grandchildren live in the northern part of the province, we don't get to see them as often. However, we were very fortunate to travel to Maui with them in late January, before the corona virus restrictions began. And we also were able to visit them this summer.
They are 7 and 5, and love to ride their bikes. The first rainy morning, they rode their bikes and we walked through the new subdivision nearby that is under development.
The dog enjoyed the walk too.
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Grandpa and Granddaughter
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We explored the Railway and Forestry museum, which was fascinating.
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"Hurry up, Grandma!"
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For Rob, a retired locomotive engineer, it was a walk down memory lane. The kids liked it because there was lots of interesting equipment to climb on.
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"Cool, I can reach the pedals."
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"I'll race you!"
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A highlight of our trip was a hike through The Ancient Forest. There were huge trees, the oldest perhaps 2,000 years old.
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Fallen Giant
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On the Boardwalk
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Admiring the Waterfall
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Bat Girl
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Another day, and another excursion on bikes. This on included a playground, a water park, and some time spent beside the river skipping stones.
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"Let's shoot some leaves up the jets of water."
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"That one skipped three times!"
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Our grandchildren bring such joy into our lives.
Wonderful! I’ve become a step-Oma since I moved to the Island, and I’ve had many laughs already with my new family members. Kids can be so entertaining and I love their fresh take on life.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Being a grandparent is different than being a parent, I find, because of the precious gift of time. I have more time to listen to them, play with them, and engage, whereas as a parent I had so much on my plate. I have more patience now, although far less energy. I’m glad you’re enjoying your Oma role.
DeleteJude
What a lovely post, Jude! Smiles and happiness all around. I’m glad you’ve been able to stay in touch with the grandkids and that you managed to meet in person. I’m feeling sad right now that I never get to see my niece and nephew anymore. It’s been two years - a long time at that age. I hope they still recognize me whenever I return to Belgium.
ReplyDeleteLiesbet, it must be hard when your niece and nephew are so far away. With the current situation, air travel is not likely to be possible for some time yet. I’m hoping to see my two young nieces this summer too. It’s been over a year since we’ve seen them.
DeleteJude
Happy and fun times!
ReplyDeleteAnabel, we have had a lot of fun together this summer.
DeleteJude
Wonderful summer fun with your grandchildren, Jude. I love interacting with young children and young adults. They bring a lot of energy and fresh take on life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie. I feel very fortunate. To have this opportunity.
DeleteJude
Hi, Jude - I'm reading this post while on a camping adventure with our eldest grandchild, Charlie,who recently turned five. I agree that spending time with grandchildren is an incredible joy. You never do know what they will do or say next. Enjoy!:D
ReplyDeleteDonna, I can’t believe that Charlie is already five! Five is such a delightful age. As you know, two of my grandchildren are five years old. I’m glad you and Richard are able to go camping with Charlie and his family.
DeleteJude
Hi Jude, I thought I was up to date reading your posts and I am glad I checked back. I love everything about this post and I can relate. Spending time with the grandchildren is a privilege and a pleasure. I have heard about the Parksville playground. It looks like you all had a fun and interesting time exploring. I gather “The Ancient Forest” is up North? And, yes, joy to our lives. We have been soaking up our grandchildren while we can. We suspect things will change when school starts. A lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHi Erica. I love your comment that spending time with the grandchildren is a privilege and a pleasure. I know that they bring us so much joy. Yes, we did have a chance to visit our two northern grandchildren up north this summer -- hopefully a post on that trip to follow sometime. I had my younger (local) grandson for the day yesterday, and we had such a lovely time together.
DeleteJude