Making Memories

This last one was very special; even with fifteen other ‘magical happenings’ in the running.

Over the years, we’ve made it a point to have our two families come visit us in Palm Springs around either Thanksgiving or Christmas. ‘Making Memories’ is what we have whimsically called it. Turns out, it is much more than that.

The grandkids are getting older; so are Sharon and I. Time and generational draws are going to make it harder in the future to continue bringing the whole gang together like this. But while we can, the simple idea of gathering family together for these special occasions will be our main focus each year.

When we started this adventure, it was just the eldest, Maya, who was first of the grandchildren to venture out West. Following her came the twins; Spencer (Spence) and Samantha (Sammi) along with their cousin, Brennan. Two years later, chronologically but never age-wise, was the youngest, Charlotte. They’ve been coming out here for fifteen years and it just gets more interesting, exciting, adventurous and exhausting (at least for Papa) by the end of their western tour of Nana’s pool and other amenities we have to offer.

I’ve often said that if it ended today, it would have been worth it for the sheer memory-making planted in those young minds over the years. Neither Sharon nor I were fortunate enough to have grandparents alive (for me) or close enough (for Sharon) that they could be a part of our young lives.

We know from talking to some of our friends that those moments spent with attentive grand-parents are moments seldom forgotten and always cherished. We’ve been very fortunate to be in a position to give those experiences to our grandchildren.

Over the ensuring years, our grandchildren’s slate of adventures has covered a wide gambit of touring California’s hot and cold spots, climbing boulders and mountain trails, driving dune buggies and go-karts, acting in five scripted plays, horseback riding, touring in a covered wagon, swimming almost every day in Nana’s pool and so forth. Below are just some of their adventures over the years.

Like always, this year’s get-together ended on a note of deep appreciation, plentiful memories and a real reluctance to get back to ‘the real world.’ Sharon and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction that everyone had a good time and especially the grandkids had added to their memory bank of experiences.

As the cliché goes, it’s all about family. I never had the opportunities that our grandkids have had. Nor did Sharon. What a joy to be able to do that for those feisty, over-energetic, bright, ambitious young kids. The one’s I lovingly call our grandchildren.