Describing both this trip to Italy and my trip earlier in the year to Portugal and Spain to friends, I often get the sense (from raised eyebrows or a simple reaction like “oh”) that they are not sure that travelling with young kids to Europe is their idea of a good time. But, I think that they react this way because they are only focussing on the minor inconveniences and limitations inherent in travelling with young children.
i feel fortunate that I have been invited along on these two trips by Marley, Jesse and their spouses. First. I have now experienced the pleasure of two trips that I would not have otherwise taken. These trips have also provided an opportunity to spend significant and meaningful time with Jesse. Laura, Marley and Brandon.
However, I think the best part of these trips may be getting to spend extended time with these new grandchildren. It is heartwarming to see them get comfortable being around me. I felt good when Sage was calling for “Boppa” when I got separated from her and her parents while climbing the bell tower in the Seville cathedral. And I have lost track of the number of welcoming smiles they have given me.
Watching these kids voraciously learn is a real joy. I had this experience as a parent with my own kids (long, long ago when the world was young). But, to really see it, you need to be with them a lot over some extended time. The opportunity to see this and experience it again as a grandparent is the real bonus of these trips and a special gift that I have been given.
A bit sappy I know – But the urge to write this came after today watching Payton repeatedly (and with more and more success) try to pull herself up on wobbling legs into a standing position beside the furniture or on grandpa’s handy knee.