Grandma and Grandpa make Italy Possible

Our trip was lovely, but my favorite part was talking to the kids most days and knowing that they were getting heaps of love and attention from Mom and Dad Edwards.  Mom and Dad agreed to come out about 6 months ago and watch the kids, but it's not quite as easy as popping over for the weekend when we live an ocean away, and we recognize that this was a huge commitment on their part.  Mom and Dad made the kids their favorite foods, took them to their favorite places, read them books, played endless games of scrabble, made slime, walked the coast, took them to see cows in the pasture, sang them songs, and danced.  They talked them down from their sudden fears of ghosts (because if you do not already know this, ghosts can kill people).  They helped them finish homework, practice piano, and drive to lessons 45 minutes away.  They were early for soccer games and stayed for potlucks.

No one loves your kids as much as you do.  Well, that's what I've always said, but I think it is possible they love my kids as much as I do.  From the minute they walked through the door, they looked for ways to help and bond, even dancing with Kate before bed after an exhausting trip.

Dad bonded hard with Owen.  I know Kate felt particularly close to Mom. 

On the way to lessons in Wailua, they were thrilled to pass the waterfall and asked the kids if they wanted to see it, too.  "Nah.  Can we stay in the car?"  My children and their apathy towards beauty...

 Frisbee on the green belt.

 Smooches straight on the mouth.  That's how we roll.

 Owen was ecstatic to reunite with Zachary after his Big Island trip. 

 Kate and Zac had their final games of the HYSA season.  I was so proud of Kate and how much she developed in confidence and footwork.  I was also so happy with Zachary, who has much better field vision, passing and leadership.  Coach Brandon pointed out that he has scored a goal in every single game of the last 3 seasons.  Way to go, son!

 Kate had a jazz rehearsal/performance at the mall while we were gone.

 We snuck in a quick lunch at Keoki's before leaving them with pages of instructions and a thumbs-up good luck at the airport. 

 We watched Owen eat an entire meal that consisted of only ice cream and ketchup.

Arriving home, we were able to spend two days with them before they went back to Utah.  I think I said something ridiculous like, "It feels like you were not here very long!"  I am sure they were ready to be home!

We love you, Mom and Dad.  Thanks for handling high emotions and high energy levels with so much grace and patience.  We are so lucky to have you, and so are the kids.  We hope this is a memory the kids cherish forever.