Grandma and Granddad Return Home to Ireland

Farewell photo with Grandma and Granddad

Caitlin crawled into bed with me early this morning and as she snuggled with me and sucked her thumb she whispered, “It was fun with Grandma and Granddad being here”. It was obvious she knew that today they were flying home. Ashley and Caitlin were a little disappointed, but fortunately understanding, when we explained that they could not go to the airport again, this time to see Grandma and Granddad off. It would be just too hectic and too sad to say goodbye in the departure area.

To cushion the blow I offered to take them both for a walk to Caffe Keffa, a neighborhood coffeeshop that is a favorite of ours. We sadly waved goodbye to them as they drove off with James and began a leisurely early morning walk to the café. Equipped with Uno and Go Fetch (a Lady and the Tramp version of Go Fish), a jigsaw puzzle and a book, we spent a pleasant morning together, drinking hot chocolate and playing games. Of course, it was sad to walk home to a house empty of Grandma and Granddad (though there was a moment of joy when we encountered Jazz, a neighborhood friend), but we had such a wonderful visit and we look forward to many more. Maybe the next one will be in Ireland.

Final bedtime story with Granddad the night before leaving

Our encounter with Jazz on the walk home from Caffe Keffa