“Noah, tomorrow we are going to a place where you can run as fast as you want and you will never run out of room!”
Those are the words Nathan said to Noah the night before we went to visit my sister at her home in western Wisconsin. Noah was impressed with such a grand promise and he was most definitely not disappointed.
Here are a few pictures that illustrate why Noah and Madison (and the rest of us) had so much fun during our visit to Uncle Arnold and Aunt Ruth’s house.
We’ll start with getting to see a deer . . .
a rooster . . .
and an unidentified metal creature all sharing space on the spacious lawn.
A swimming pool overlooking a chicken house and trees and hills . . .
was a big hit.
This is Ruth and Arnold’s son, Levi.
Noah had a big time riding the four-wheeler with his mom . .
and his dad.
And speaking of four wheelers, things got a little wild when Steve got on with Meagan. (More about that in another post.)
Madison did some strolling . . .
and some swinging with Aunt Sarah.
She also played with Uncle Arnold.
(Note: the tablecloth on the little table behind Madison is actually a skirt that Ruth stretched over the table to fit. Isn’t that so creative?)
In addition, there were a few sibling strolls. (Next three photos by Meagan.)
Solitary strolls were fun, too.
Sunshine, strolls and smiles . . . what could be better?
Some of my favorite photos from the day centered on the little porch on the side of the house.
The steps to the porch . . .
were very much enjoyed by one small Floridian.
She also enjoyed the curtain covered door where she could come and go whenever she wanted.
Madison was especially enchanted by the dainty decorative items Ruth had arranged on a table.
Such a sweet, sweet face.
In closing, here is a photo of Madison “talking” to Arnold’s mom, Janice, who was also visiting for the day.
The fact that Madison doesn’t yet have many words at her disposal does not stop her from having long and exuberent conversations with whomever crosses her path.
This video is a case in point. Note how she listens so intently to everything Janice says and then comes back with her own addition to the conversation– largely unintelligible to anyone but her. Love that child!
What about you? Do you have any special memories of visits to relative’s houses when you were a child?
Madison is adorable. I love the crystal, mirror, toddler pictures. Such soft lighting, she is very sweet. I bet she loved the house with all it’s trinkets and the special door 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Lesley,
I’m sure you could picture your own sweet granddaughter going in and out of that door. Such a magical place for a young one.
And yes, the green was so vibrant everywhere! Magnificant.
Awwww…love the pictures of Madison and Noah. Such sweet little people. That looks like so much fun! We are in South Dakota vacationing. …good times!
LeeAnne,
Glad you are also getting some vacation time in. Enjoy!
What a sweet little girl – and boy. The only thing I can remember about visiting my grandparents is I had to always wear a dress. My grandmother did not believe in girls wearing anything but dresses – no shorts, capris, jeans, etc. For this tomboy, that was torture.
Phyllis,
Oh my. I can only imagine how much a wee tomboy would dislike wearing dresses for those visits to the grandparents. I imagine the instant you went home, that dress came off immediately! 🙂
The same conversation my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter has with me when video chatting. 🙂
Marylea,
Aren’t those kids an absolute scream? Love it!
Oh my word, that video of Madison chatting with the grandma is absolutely adorable. You could certainly make out words she was saying so she was in the conversation the right way 🙂 Loved seeing all the pictures. I love that porch, how fun to come and go as she pleases and have fun trekking up and down the stairs! Waiting to hear the Steve/ Meagan story too. Have a wonderful weekend.
Wendy,
Yes, I did catch “When I get home I take a NAP!” 🙂 Other than that, I was pretty much clueless. But who needs real words when cuteness takes over?
I seldom make comments, but still keep up with the Smiths via Smithellaneous. However, that video of Madison just made me smile so much. She is the cutest — with a spunky personality to match (along with the cutest brother)! Keep posting — still love reading your blog … and now get to see Nathan’s kids just makes it even better!
Karen,
How lovely to see your name pop up; thank you for commenting!
Ken and Vernie have a darling great granddaughter, don’t they? 🙂
Growing up out cousins closest to our ages lived in Arkansas but they used to come up for a week or two every summer. While we were there we would put MILES on my grandparents riding lawnmower (blade removed and patio brick hung from the seat because none of us was heavy enough to actually keep it running by ourselves), climb trees, climb up and down the laundry chute, play in the crawlspace (where the door still says “Kevin and Amy only, all others KEEP OUT” (Kevin is my brother, Amy my cousin), play in a space under the steps, and turn the living room into giant blanket forts. The memories are all very poignant and fresh right now as we prepare to sell my grandparents’ house because they have moved into assisted living.
Lisa,
I was smiling along as I read your comment until I got to the last line. I know very well how many memories and voices and laughter houses can hold and to think you can never go back into that old house to hear the echoes–well, that is a tough thing for all of you. HUgs.
Bec, was fun to see all the fun we all had that day! Was really nice to visit the distant relatives from Florida and their darling kids, especially the lovely, little lady, a real doll! Summer is the time to come here for sure–green-green-green! Think I’ll stay put and wait right here til next time ya’ll visit again.
Ruth,
It must be fun to see your house and yard through the camera lens of another person. You’re right about everything being so green–absolutely amazing how much lush green grass was everywhere. Loved it! Thanks again to you and Arn for being such fabulous hosts. Steve is still talking about that cold salad meal!
Pictures are so cute and the video is awesome. I remember going to my grandparents every Sunday after church and lunch. It was understood that’s what we did. After my Granddaddy passed away in December 1962 the trips were not as much fun. Glad you had family time together. Cherish the memories and pictures. ??
Ann,
Isn’t it great to have had those special traditions and the memories that accompany them? Grandparents are so very, very special and when they pass away, the world just seems like it loses some of its brightness.
OK. That video was just precious! “I go home and take a NAP!” Sounds like the best plan ever!
And that porch. THAT PORCH. I would live out there full-time in the warmer months!
Whatever the story about Meagan and Steve on the four-wheeler is, I can’t wait to hear it. I hope it involves lots of photos and maybe a video?
Stefanie,
You’re in luck! There actually IS a short video of Steve and Meagan.
And I agree about the porch. I could happily reside there.