A Douglass Staycation

When our girls were younger, Sterling and I couldn’t afford (and sometime simply chose not) to go away  for an “alone” weekend.  Instead, we shipped the kids off to friends’ homes, and we stayed at home—didn’t waste time traveling, got to sleep in our own comfy bed, and just had a wonderfully relaxing few days at home. I guess you could say we discovered the benefits of the staycation years before everyone else (although I’m certain there are many others who have done the same thing).

Anyway, this last weekend Sara and Sean decided to have a staycation as well, and we were the happy benefactors! We inherited the five Douglass kids on Friday and got to keep them until Sunday evening—and what a great weekend it was!

I got to remember what it was like to be a taxi driver, to and from practices and games and school. . . great memories—and great relief that it was only a temporary thing! Ten-year-old Seth had a football practice on Friday and his very first game on Saturday; we went and cheered him on! And believe it or not, I (yes, me, the doting grandmother and head honcho of Stampin’ Up!, a scrapbooking company of sorts) FORGOT to take a single photo. I almost made him put his uniform back on after the game, but I knew we couldn’t recapture the moments on the field.

After the game we went to a movie Nanny McPhee Returns—worth it!), downed a tub or two of popcorn and then went out to eat at Chili’s, the kids’ favorite restaurant. We took them home fully satisfied—on all levels, I hope! At least they all slept pretty soundly!

On Sunday, they came to church with us, and then Sara and Sean came over for dinner on Sunday and picked them up. The two of them looked properly rested, the Douglass kids looked properly spoiled (that’s a grandparents’ role, isn’t it?), and the grandma and grandpa looked properly tired! I’d call that a success all the way around. . . .

Comments

[Laura Fernsler]

That sounds like a successful Grandpa/Grandma weekend to me! My parents have 6 grandchildren and no matter what you ask them or how much you're willing to spend doing it, they're favorite thing to do ever is "go to grama and grampa's house."

I'm so glad you get to be wife, mama, and grammy, in spite of being "head honcho" of the greatest company EVAH!

[Chelsea]

success for sure! fun!

[Caroline in Toronto]

Oh, that's sounds so wonderful -- my son is going to see it tommorrow and he's so excited!

All the best,
Caroline

www.craftincaro.ca

[Gayle McCracken]

Great weekend all around it sounded like!! This was a fun post to read, as always!!

[Marybeth]

Grandkids are the best. I loved having my daughter when she was growing up but having my sweet Ava granddaughter is even better. Just fun no responsiblity. One of God greatest gifts.

[Cyndi (Hansen) Child]

Saras kids are SO cute! And so grown! I can't believe she has so many cute kids...I'm glad you guys had a great time with the kids. What a lucky bunch...all around:)

www.dcchild.blogspot.com

[Terry Molineux]

Shelli how sweet! I love hearing your stories. But, what's up with no camera girl!!!??? Only kidding..Maybe one of his friend's Mom took pictures at least to remember the day by?? Your grandchildren are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your special weekend with us.

Stampingly yours,
Terry~~

[Michelle Dyson]

How sweet! So lovely to read that you get to enjoy the doting grandma and grandpa role from time to time, and take a break from being 'head honcho"!
Here in Australia I've not heard the term "staycation" before, however it is something we do most school holidays, with my mum and dad having our two children stay at their small farm for a few days, a place they adore. I'm sure Sean and Sara enjoyed the weekend as much as you did!

[Christina]

I love your ending to this blog. I'm sure it was all very true. What a wonderful thing you did for your family. Us sleep deprived mom's need a break! I am a little jealous I don't have someone like you in my life. You have a very lucky family. I love the picture of the 3 girls at the top- that is frame worthy!

[amanda]

My grandparents mean the world to me. I don't know what I would ever do without them. It makes me happy to hear your stories of spending time loving your grandchildren. I am missing mine terribly...they are serving a mission in London right now. There is nothing better than looking back on the memories I have of spending time with my grandparents and you are blessing your grandkids by creating memories for them.

[coach factory outlet]

<a The <a href="http://www.coachsfactory2011.net/">coach factory outlet</a> makes an already affordable, <a href="http://www.outletfactory-coach.net/">Coach outlet online</a> handbag THAT much more affordable. Women in social classes spanning from the middle-class all the way up to <a href="http://www.coachesoutletfactory.net/">coach factory outlet</a> strap <a href="http://www.coachesoutletfactory.net/">coach outlet</a> to their shoulders - and now anyone can do it for less which makes <a href="http://www.coachs2011.com/">coach outlet online</a>
for anyone looking to purchase one. Shoppers wondering how much they can save in a <a href="http://www.outletfactory-coach.net/">coach factory outlet</a> expect to see prices as low as<a href="http://www.online-outlet-coach.net/">coach outlet online</a> of the <a href="http://www.outletcoachesale.com/">coach outlet</a> suggested retail <a href="http://www.outletcoachesale.com/">coach outlet online</a>.