My husband and I both grew up knowing just how important family was. Our son, at the young age of five also feels that way. He always wants to be with his grandparents. He is lucky as all of them do so many different things with him to enhance his life. All live near us except my Dad, who is in Maine.

Usually, we see my husbands parents and my mom at least weekly and many times he will sleep over their houses. Here are some of the things he does with them:

My Mom – Grandma:

• Cooking and Baking

• He has learned to make bread, pizza, cake, cookies, pie, chicken strips, cupcakes, pancakes

• She has taught him about herbs and flowers.

• They go to the playground

• Make arts and crafts

• Scavenger Hunts

• Have movie nights

• Go to the movies – pre-pandemic

• Have midnight snacks

• Play board games

• Go Swimming

• Exercise

• Go for walks

• Do Science experiments

Grandma also comes over for dinner and goes to many fun places with us like the zoo, museums, Disney shows, and vacations.

My In-Laws – Grand Pa and Grandma:

• Bake Cakes

• Take nature walks

• Play board games

• Dye eggs for Easter

• Look at wildlife- they have lots of birds, chipmunks, coyotes and snakes where they live

• Go to the Zoo

Grandma and Grandpa also come over for dinner and we go camping with them.

My Dad – Pop Pop and his Wife Kathrun(Kathryn):

Pop-Pop comes to visit from Maine, every few months. When he is here, it is like Mom and Dad are not around. My son tires my poor Dad out. They play hide-n-go seek, chase, cars, trains, we go to the park. We also went to visit my Dad in Maine two years ago. It was a great experience for Alex. We went on a lobster boat, where he got to drive the boat and play with lobsters. We went berry picking, to a lighthouse, an amusement park and even saw the 4th of July Fireworks in Boston.

These are just short lists of the ways that our families interact with my son. I would be remiss if I did not also mention that they of course shower him with so much love. In addition, they give my husband and I some much needed breaks. Family is everything to us and we are so fortunate they are a part of Alex’s life. If you are lucky enough to have family around, spend time with them, cherish them and know how much the can enhance your children’s lives, create lasting memories and teach valuable life lessons.