We have completed one full week of taking care of Victoria while her mother returns to her teaching duties. It has been a bit of a shock to our systems, rising early every morning and getting organized and heading to their house. The hours are long and we are busy with all the usual activities associated with infant care and maintaining the household during the day. Anneke also prepares the evening meal for everyone, so it makes for a long day.
The good part is that we spend a lot of time with Victoria. Now I know that all grandparents think their grand kids are great, but she really has been an easy child to take care of. She fortunately has no problems and is a happy kid. That makes the “job” a lot easier and fun.
Of course, there are the added duties of watching over the three dogs-Halley, Zoey, and Bella. Let’s not forget Abby, the obnoxious cat and the very quiet rabbit-Dusty, and finally two tanks full of fish.
While it still is a ways off, we have started some planning for our return to traveling. We already have changed our master plan. We had been thinking on heading west, which was our plan for the winter before Victoria appeared on the scene. After thinking about that for awhile, this no longer appeals to us. So now we will be heading north taking in some of the sights in the areas that we have blown by or missed in the last four years. Going west again would have involved traveling through many places we would have already spent quite some time. The summer months would have included a great deal of hot weather and storms.
While we have no firm plans, we will first stop for the balloon festival in northern Alabama and then maybe some time in Arkansas and Missouri. Following that, we are thinking the far northeast?
We will have to do some serious study of what there is to see and do. We have never even taken a vacation in that corner of the USA, so it will be definitely something new.
14 comments:
What a long day but so worth it in the end!..sounds like quite the 'zoo'..lots of fun taking care of all the 'kids'!!..enjoy!..and happy trip planning!!
I'm sure you'll miss little Victoria, but I'm looking forward to where you visit. My planning is often based on what others share.
What a precious little girl! And what a long, long day! Cute little dogs too! Maybe we'll both be in the Northeast at the same time - wave as we pass! With the price of diesel, we may cut our travel plans back a thousand miles or so...time will tell.
I think there is no better job than being a grandparent and you've jumped right in with both...er...all 4 feet! It's a special bond you're creating and special memories to hold you once you begin traveling again.
We, too, may see you this summer if you're in the NE. We plan to travel to northern NY and Vermont.
I just know that wasn't hard at all! I spent the day yesterday with our 3rd gc (he's 11 months) and it was our first time to actually be alone! I spent so many days taking care of the twins after they came along but for some reason, this one took awhile!
Have you ever been to the UP of Michigan? We'd recommend that area to you. Fort Wilkison St. Park up at Copper Harbor is a special place we've enjoyed twice now! Check it out!!
I think the northeast can be just as interesting as the west. Lots of old history there. And if you're in upstate NY or Vermont or New Hampshire in the fall, you just can't beat the colors! I forgot to mention the lobsters of Maine! :)
Victoria is getting so big, it is hard to believe how fast they grow and change. Cameron is so tiny compared to Victoria and there is only a couple of months difference.
Sounds like you have your hands full at the moment and enjoying every minute.
Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Victoria is so beautiful. That sure is a long "shift" but I'm sure it is well worth it.
Enjoy planning for your next journey. We love Maine!
Wherever you decide to travel, I know you are going to miss your beautiful little granddaughter, Victoria.
The great thing is though, you can drive back and see her whenever you want.
Ohhh- she's beautiful! I absolutely love the picture of her feet - so clever!
That is one beautiful little baby and I'm sure it's fun taking care of her.
I just saw a tv show about how important Grand Parents are in kids lives and how important it is for the Mom and Dad to have their parents around to help guide them.
Enjoy your time with her!
You appear to have the perfect job taking care of Victoria. She is a beautiful baby and I know wherever you travel this summer, you will certainly miss being with her.
John
relaxedrush.blogspot.com
When the time comes, it'll be tough leaving Victoria. Enjoy your bonding time now!
As soon as you leave the withdrawal symptoms will start. Enjoy the time with that little beautiful lady. It doesn't get any better than that.
The pictures already show she's growing like a weed. Wish grandkids would stay little longer. They grow too fast.
In your North bound travels, let us know if you're going anywhere near Northern VA.
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