Have you ever wondered why grandparents drone on and on about their grandkids? I know that I would rather sit next to the huge, sweaty Harley Rider on an airplane than a tiny grandma with a wallet full of pictures of her grandchildren. They are just waiting for you to glace over or look at them so they can engage you in a conversation about their grandchildren. One glance and you can forget about a nap or anything else – no matter how long the flight is! However, after the last week, I think I’m finally beginning to understand – not that I want to ever sit next to a grandma with a wallet full of pictures yet.
We were absolutely thrilled when Chloe was born (January 19) and we passed into that almost mythical status of grandparents. I always wondered what that would be like to be a grandpa. Would I feel old? Would I be old? What would having grandkids be like relative to having children? Would I have to get a wallet so I could carry around pictures? Would I finally get the senior discount at Waffle House? (Not sure that Waffle House has a senior discount, but if not they should. Two words: Pecan Waffles.)
Well, so far, I still don’t feel old (except after my Saturday bike rides – 34 km today!). I don’t think I’m old, but who am I to judge. Having grandkids is both more wonderful and less wonderful than having children. I don’t have a wallet, so no pictures yet. I still don’t qualify for any Waffle House senior discount – if there is one.
All this new grandpa-ly knowledge has come from the week Michelle and I spent in Provo for Chloe’s blessing. Let me tell you – one of the best weeks ever! We are absolutely thrilled that Jameson and Becky held off until we could come to the US for the blessing. I know that it was a really stressful week for Jameson and Becky, but they were fantastic hosts and brought everything together for a fantastic blessing. Baby blessings are one of the most spiritual events. Here is this little child, so recently here from Heaven and so innocent and trusting. Add to that the power of the priesthood, a father and mother that love her so dearly, a circle of worthy men who gather to help, and family and friends come from far and wide who have come to share the experience, and you have a spirit filled experience.
It was great to see all the family and friends who attended. We had about 30 people or so that came to blessing including my Mom, Lynda, Randy and June from Las Vegas, Michelle’s sister Dena, her husband Earl, as well as one of her daughters and husband (and children) from Bountiful, Becky’s Mom and Dad from Seattle and Becky’s Mom’s friend Rebecca (Becky’s namesake), Janet, Alan, Dianne and many others. What a special time.
Here’s Chloe in her beautiful white dress (it was the dress that Becky was blessed in!).
Grandpa Beau taking a few minutes.
The happy Mom and Dad
Great food! Thanks to all the cooks!
Great Grandma Ranck talks to Chloe. The hat is really an owl. I think it looks like a frog.
Parents and Grandparents and the little princess.
It was great to see my Mom, brother and sisters! (Still learning how to use the new camera.)
See, this is why grandma’s talk about their grandchildren.
Of course, Chloe spent time with Grandma Ranck
And Grandpa Ranck.
And she’s even picking up Granda Ranck’s habit of grabbing the M&Ms! (That id Dad holding her, not grandpa!)
A genius is just some dumb kid with a grandma.
