Blog Archive
My Grandpa
My paternal grandfather will be turning 95 next week, and my parents, brother Logan, Denny, Dylan and I will be making a trip to down to Florida to visit him. He is originally from Battle Creek, MI but moved to FL many many years ago with my grandmother after his kids were all grown up. I have not seen my grandfather in a little over 2 years, and it was right after my grandmother died so it was a very difficult time for everyone. He is in amazing shape for his age, but no one lives forever and we want to make sure we get to visit with him and he gets to meet Dylan. I mean a few years ago my grandfather was dancing at my wedding and installing a whole deck in his backyard. Some 30 year olds can't do that and it is amazing that he has still been able to be so active late in life.
Growing up I was able to see my grandparents a few times a year usually when they made the trip to NC, and we also lived close to them for a few years when we lived in Jacksonville, FL. I have very fond memories of my grandparents. My "grandpa" as I called him was always so much fun. From him teaching me how to play cards (like "Peek", Rummy & Hearts), to him helping my Dad build me a very cool treehouse with all of the bells and whistles.
One of my favorite memories is of Christmas when I was about 5 or 6. My grandparents stayed at our house in FL on Christmas Eve and that night I woke up and swore I heard someone in the kitchen. I was so excited the next day, I told my parents and grandparents all about it. I said, "Last night I heard Santa Claus. He was in the kitchen and I think I heard him open the refrigerator." My grandpa looked at me and said, "You know what I think you are right, I was in the fridge this morning and I noticed that there was a beer missing!" From that point on I thought Santa liked alcohol better than cookies and milk.
Another thing my grandpa used to do was to change the words to classic nursery rhymes. One I can remember goes like this:
Mary had a little lamb
It's fleece was white as snow
One day she fed it dynamite
And blew it all to pieces
As a kid I thought he was absolutely hilarious. I can't wait to go and see him next week and hopefully he will have some great nursery rhymes to tell his great-grandaughter.
Its going to be a fun trip for sure. Who could pass up a Ten hour ride with a toddler!
Sounds like a great guy and reminds me of my mom's father. He was a farmer and always working hard but loved the grandkids and played checkers with us and sang us songs about "monkey in the pot". I know you guys will enjoy the visit and he will enjoy seeing you all--especially Dylan. She's lucky to have such an extended family in her life. Have a great trip!
Love the Santa story!
He sounds like an awesome grandpa! Hope you have a great time visiting with him. And may I suggest a DVD player for the car ride for Dylan?? We got one for our 16+ hour trip to the Outer Banks and it was a life saver!
I miss my grandparents a lot and our children do not have grandpas--Bill's father died in '91 and mine in '02. I'm sure Dylan will adore her great-grandpa!
Also, I'm agreeing w/Jules on the DVD thing. We NEVER travel more than 45 minutes without ours. Galvin loves to watch "Ni Hao Kai Lan" and "Little Bear." And Gwendolyn...well, she sleeps. Usually.
I am hoping Dylan will take a few naps, also my parents are driving in a separate car but I am sure my mom will want to ride in the backseat with her some. The problem is, she is still so little and just hit 20 lbs that our car seat is still facing backwards.
Have a wonderful trip, Nicki. It will be a memorable time for all of you and a real blessing to your grandfather, I know.
Enjoy your time with your g-pa! I miss my grampa sooo much. I am really fortunate that I moved up north and was able to spend a bunch of time with him before he passed away.
That nursery rhyme is HI-LARIOUS.
Niki, this is so sweet...thank you! Your grandfather really is a special man. Thanks to you and Denny for taking time off from work, and making that long drive to Florida with Dylan, to be with him on his birthday. It means a lot to me that he will be able to meet his newest great-granddaughter. What you wrote in your blog made me laugh and cry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the greatest daughter and son-in-law that a father could ever have. I love you and I am looking forward to spending time with you guys, mom, Logan and my father in Florida next week. See you on Wednesday. Love, Dad
Niki, you are a great blogger. I think you got some of your Grandpa's dry wit. Have a fantastic time with him. The picture is great. I hope your husband can get some pics of he and Dylan "dancing". Love and safe travels to all of you! Love, Mom D
My Papaw Deaton used to make up little rhymes for me too! I miss him sooo much and think of him almost everyday! One went like this....
Oh lil Kris with a stick and a crutch,
when she was little she boogie woogied to much!
I know how fortunate I was to have him in my life for sooo long, but I am selfish and would have kept him with me forever if I could have.....I hope you guys have a GREAT trip!
Krista, Floyd was a great man. He used to call me Vikki. The Christmas right before he died he gave the family a brick at the church with everyone's name on it. Denny and I were just dating at the time and he pulled Denny aside and said, "Denny, one day Vikki's name will be on that brick too." So funny, I totally think we should go back and add Vikki to the brick.
absolutely Vikki should be on the brick! hahaha