The importance of grandparents

Today, I wanted to give "big props" as the kids say these days to a few of the most important people in our lives: our parents. But, not just because they raised us right, made sacrifices and continue to support us (even at this advanced age). No, I want to recognize them for being such a big part of our kids lives. 

We're lucky enough to live within earshot of our parents, just 20 minutes away. Virtually every weekend one of them comes over to watch the kids so we can go out, catch a movie or have a leisurely dinner that doesn't involve the phrase "Hey, Mommy" or "Hey Daddy" a minimum of 500 times a minute. We try to say thank you each time they come over, but it bears repeating. Again and again. 

So, I'll say it again: Thank you.

Not just for the baby-sitting (although we do appreciate that, more than you probably know), but for being such a big part of Matthew and Amy's lives. I grew up living four hours away from my grandparents. While my parents did their best to get us down to Fairview and Rising Sun (small towns in Wisconsin) once a month or so, it just wasn't the same as living in the same city and seeing them on regular basis. 

Matthew and Amy have their own rituals with each grandparent. They "play cords." Build castles. Put stickers on windows. Go for walks. And run through sprinklers. They've known their names and faces since they were just babies. And the kids talk about them all the time. That's worth far more than any baby-sitting gig to us. 

And we hope our parents know that. So, maybe this is the Norweigan in me, but I'd like thank our parents for being a steady and positive influence on our kids' lives. It makes a huge difference. And it certainly makes a difference for us. Thank you--and we love you.