Gotta Love Grandparents!!

D. and Andrea's mom, Martha

4 generations: Grandpa Hoyt, Bill, Andrea, and D. (A. was in Sunday School)

A. and D. with Great-Grandpa Hoyt

A. and D. with Andrea's parents, Bill and Martha

D. with Andy's Dad, Hank

D. with Andy's mom, Dottie (second day their outfits coordinated so well- unplanned!)

Grandma Dottie with A. and D.

Daddy, his parents, and the kids

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Our children are incredibly lucky- they have two grandmas, two grandpas, two great-grandpas and a great-grandma as well as some amazing great-grandparents who get to enjoy them from heaven. Whenever we know that grandparents are coming or we are going to them, a countdown begins in our house. Usually every day A. will ask if TODAY is when they are coming... we have to almost be careful to wait until two weeks or less to tell her otherwise its hard for her to understand the idea of waiting.

My parents were able to be here when he was born as the plan was for them to attend her dance recital. My mom was able to stay with us for a whole week. Going from one kid to two, in addition to trying to sleep and recover can be quite challenging. It was so nice to have her here to chat with, cry with, and have her hold D. while I could spend some quality time with my girl. I am thankful she was able to come. My dad and grandpa came up the following weekend and it was neat MY grandpa was able to meet him when he was still so little. The following weekend Andy's parents made the long drive to our house. Usually when we have company we like to explore the state of Wisconsin and do some fun stuff- this trip the fun stuff mostly happened in our home: cuddling, reading books, and more cuddling. D. did make some trips to restaurants and we were very impressed with his fabulous behavior!

Grandparents are such an important role in the lives of our children. Though they live 8+ hours away, summers usually mean a week vacation of A. and her grandparents. I treasured those weeks with my grandparents- getting to play with cousins, a trip to the Omaha Zoo or Adventureland... I hope that my children can experience the same quality relationships. Andy never met his grandpas- and we feel so blessed that A. and D. will know BOTH of our parents. A. is already really figuring out the whole "Your mommy and Daddy, Mommy?" or "Daddy's Mom and Dad?" which I think is fun for her to understand.

We are thankful for the role they play and will continue to play in their lives. We love you!