BRIDGING DISTANCE …. GRANDKIDS AND ME
There’s an unmistakable JOY that comes from spending quality time with loved ones. This summer my goal was bridging the distance between my grandkids and me! I find myself counting my blessings and feeling EXCEPTIONALLY LUCKY to have had the opportunity to create lasting memories with my grandkids, despite the four-hour distance that usually keeps us apart.
Living away from my grandkids has its challenges. The distance can sometimes feel like an insurmountable obstacle, and definitely pulls at my heartstrings. I make a conscious effort to bridge that gap, so I can spend as much time as I can with them. There’s lots of planning ahead, and every effort is absolutely worth it! This year and summer in particular, have been rewarded tenfold.
OUR TIME TOGETHER WAS SPENT DOING THIS…
From dressing in PINK for the Barbie movie to nighttime bike rides and swimming, our time together has been an abundance of FUN activities. I was able to go twice with three of my granddaughters, to the GEM STUDIO to try out jewelry making. We made not only beautiful unique jewelry but lasting memories! Using our imaginations was so much fun and we all can’t wait to go back again! Another activity they ALL LOVE is painting ceramics at COLOR ME MINE. This is yet another way for them to show off their creative side and make something just for them!
The thrill of crawdad hunting, with my two granddaughters was something I hope they never outgrow! One day we went to VEYO just minutes north of St. George. They spent most of their time searching for crawdads….. and I must say, out-catching ALL THE BOYS! Our bike rides together are one of my favorite things to do with them. They love going out in the evenings hunting again, this time for lizards! Even simple activities like birthday shopping and sharing a lunch date are opportunities for me to create bonds that distance won’t ever diminish.
A memorable staycation with my granddaughters was the perfect way to celebrate a significant milestone….. one of them graduating high school and venturing off to college. Our destination was the beautiful Little America Hotel and then one day in gorgeous Park City. I felt like a much younger version of myself going down the Alpine Slide with them. We strolled through the local shops, shared lunch, and of course LOTS of shopping! This staycation wasn’t just about the destination…… it was a beautiful part of our journey as a family.
Reflecting on this summer, I’m filled with gratitude for these experiences that remind me how precious life’s simple pleasures are. In a world where time moves so fast, it’s the moments like these that slow it down, and allow me to soak in the JOY that my family brings me! Bridging distance….. between my grandkids and me is something I will always make time for! The distance between us may be great, but the bond we share is SO MUCH GREATER!
