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Entry #8 ~ June 2002
~ The Best Grandparents Ever

Dear Charon,

You are so lucky. You have amazing grandparents. Of course, you knew that before this month. They've always been there to play with you, listen to you, and watch you grow. But this month, they went overboard. They went way beyond the call of grandparent duty. They have officially become the best grandparents ever.

One weekend this month, Grandpa B. and Grandma L., Grandma Charon and Grandpa Bill came over with a special project in mind. They were going to build you a playhouse in the backyard! Grandpa B. had found the plans for a Backyard Mountain Cabin on an internet site. He ordered them, and looked them over, and pronounced the project do-able. He and Grandpa Bill teamed up, and everyone arrived at our house on Friday afternoon to look over the plans together. (photo 1)

The grandparents not only brought materials and tools; they also arrived with lots of yummy food for meals and snacks. While the grandpas worked on the playhouse, the grammas worked on making sure everyone was fed, as well as making sure you were entertained.

By Saturday morning, you knew exactly what was going on. We had told you about the project and showed you the plan, and the grandpas had started by building the foundation. (photo 2) Every once in awhile, you would go to check out the progress the grandpas were making. You made sure they were working as quickly as possible by taking on the air of a princess who was helpless without her magic playhouse. You kept cornering each of them, pretending to cry: "Boo hoo! My playhouse! I want my playhouse! Grandpa, pleeeeeease?"

Needless to say, the grandpas worked quickly. When you woke up from your nap, I brought you to the upstairs window, so that you could see how your playhouse was coming along. You were thrilled! "My playhouse! It's done!" you shouted. We went outside so that you could pose for pictures in the half-finished structure. (photo 3 & photo 4) While the grandpas worked on the playhouse, your daddy worked on the yard, clearing out a spot for the garden we hope to plant next year. You and your grandmas and I weeded the front garden and added some flowers to make it prettier. We also played some silly games with you. Your favorite was the one where Grandma L. would spin your stuffed Scooby Doo gang dolls on your top; when they fell, she would scoop them up and yell in their ears, "Are you okay??" You laughed and laughed, saying, "Do it again!"

At one point while watching the process, you turned to me and exclaimed, "At night, sleep in the playhouse!" Grandma Charon was there, and we looked at each other, and then she looked at you. "With Daddy," she explained. I was grateful to her for clarifying.

The grandpas continued to work tirelessly until dinnertime. It was a very hot, humid day, so this was no easy feat. I can hardly believe they are still smiling in these pictures we took of them that afternoon. (photo 5 & photo 6)

They finished the playhouse on Sunday, while you were napping. We wanted to take some final photos of it with you and the grandpas, so we waited for you to wake up. All of the excitement must have worn you out because you took an extra-long nap. Everyone packed up, hoping to hit the road soon and get home before dark. No one mentioned waking you up for the photo - more evidence that you have the best grandparents ever. They know the importance of letting you sleep as long as you need to.

Finally, you woke. You were thrilled with the final product, and wanted to sit inside it for the photos. Since we couldn't take good pictures that way because of the shadows, we all tried to coax you out onto the porch, but only your daddy was successful, figuring out a way to make it fun for you. You looked as proud as your grandpas about this project! (photo 7) Here are a few more pictures of your playhouse.

We are so thankful you have grandparents that are experts not only at carpentry, but at grandparenthood, too. We love them so much!

Looking forward to lots of backyard play this summer with you.

Love,
Mom