Weekend at Grandma and Rocky's

My grandparents are pretty much the cutest people ever. They square dance. And play tennis, and win, with people 30 years younger than them. And love their Prius. And are frustrated with technology, but adapting heroically. And, like any self-respecting grandparents, they are master keepers of stuff--not only do they keep lots and lots of stuff, they keep it in mint condition.

I went to visit them for the 4th of July, and Gram pulled out this:

This is the dress my great-grandmother wore to my grandparents' wedding! It's 56 years old and counting.

My grandparents are also amazing socialites, so everywhere we went I got introduced to dozens of cute old people who were just tickled to see me all grown up. I think they enjoyed showing me off. Gram even made sure I was outfitted in red-white-and-blue for the festivities:

Sigh. Families are great. I just wish we all lived closer.

Please

Can my kids be as cute as this someday?

Paradise Island

Reason #4,519 why I love being married to Chris...

The week of my birthday, my grandfather passed away and Chris had final exams. Needless to say, I wasn't making, or expecting, any special plans. Driving home on my birthday on Friday afternoon, I figured Chris and I would just spend a quiet evening watching a movie or something boring but comfy. So imagine my excitement and surprise when I found a note taped to the apartment door:

"Put on this blindfold [rolled up t-shirt hanging from nail on door] before you knock".

I obeyed. And knocked. And was rewarded with Paradise Island!





The pictures don't do it justice, but Chris had "beach ambiance" sounds playing complete with seagulls and waves. He made a smoothie, a Caribbean curry dinner, had decorated the whole apartment, and was decked out in beach gear. He also had a put candles in a dish of Boston Market macaroni and cheese (my FAV!) for me to make my birthday wishes. Who couldn't love this man?

Funny subplot--I was so excited during the "island party" that I forgot to take pictures. So I recreated the scene the next day for photo documentation.