7.30.14 ~ The Open Concept

On Saturday Carol and Tim did something that few grandparents do. They up-sized. They moved from their town home into a beautiful, big, open rancher with a large green yard and trees that are as high as the sky. The kitchen overlooks the living room and is connected to a large dining room. And today was the first Wednesday-Night-Dinner aka Taco-Night aka Family-Dinner-Night when we put that new dining room to use.

It was sad to say goodbye to the townhouse where I have spent so many hours since that first summer so long ago when Jason and I started dating. It was there that Jason and I stopped to pick up beach stuff before heading to the Outer Banks where he would propose. And it was there that we sat after our wedding unwrapping all the gifts and making lists for thank you notes. And it was there that Liam and I slept those first nights after he broke his leg; me on my back and him, with his cast, draped over my chest. And it was there that our children have blown out numerous birthday candles and unwrapped endless Christmas presents. And it was there that Liam and Nora have become best friends - almost siblings - with their cousins.

But tonight when the kids were running around the new back yard and Nora and Ryan were dancing on their stage (wooden deck), it wasn't sad at all. Many more adventures will be had in this new house. More grandchildren will be added to the pack (by Jessica and Katie - not me, silly). There will be more birthdays and Christmas's and sleepovers and cookie baking and "talks" and Wednesday nights. Oh, and they have a hot tub, so there will also be some of that!