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Saw the grandchildren after a year!

(27 Posts)
rockgran Tue 18-Nov-14 16:14:27

Hello, I have just returned from the Falkland Islands where we saw our granchildren for the first time in a year. I was really worried that they would have forgotten us but they just picked up where they left off and we had a great time. I also worried that they might then get too attached and be upset when we left - but they just took it in their stride. For any long distance grandmas out there - it was wonderful to see them but reassuring to know they can manage fine without us. I can stop worrying all the time now!smile

whitewave Tue 18-Nov-14 16:20:50

Wow that was a long way to go. What a journey it must have been and to top it all with the grandchildren how lovely! Do you skype them the rest of the time?

Lona Tue 18-Nov-14 16:22:11

That's wonderful news rockgran, I'm delighted for you. I'm sure you'll have lots of happy memories now instead of the worry! sunshine

POGS Tue 18-Nov-14 16:39:02

rockgran

That's really good news. Children are quite hardy aren't they. I bet they were so happy to see you too. flowers

Grannyknot Tue 18-Nov-14 16:41:10

rockgran that's lovely. So positive.

annodomini Tue 18-Nov-14 16:44:11

rockgran, I remember when you told us they were going to the Falklands and I admired your philosophical attitude to the move. What a marvellous trip - not one that many of us can rival, I suspect! Glad all went well for all of you.

janeainsworth Tue 18-Nov-14 16:51:35

Glad you had such a good time Rockgran. I think it gets a bit easier as the children get older, they can remember us and also they don't change quite so quickly.

We've just come back from the States - we had spent over a week with the DGCs (3 and 4) and looked after them for 2 nights and days while their parents went away.

When we were leaving to go to the airport, DGS (3) came up and gave me a hug. I said 'grandad and I are going to England now,' and a look of panic crossed DGS's face.
He wailed 'I don't want to go to England with Grandma and Grandad!' and ran off to hide behind DiL grin
I'm sure he'll change his mind one day smile

ffinnochio Tue 18-Nov-14 16:56:03

That's very good to hear rockgran. Delighted for you. smile

Teetime Tue 18-Nov-14 16:56:48

How lovely rockgran some lovely memories made I'm sure.

baubles Tue 18-Nov-14 16:59:08

Great news Rockgran, so pleased for you.

Ariadne Tue 18-Nov-14 17:03:52

Happy for you! smile

yogagran Tue 18-Nov-14 17:05:08

So pleased that you got to see the family Rockgran, start planning the next visit soon

rockgran Tue 18-Nov-14 17:09:53

Thanks, everyone. It was a very long journey - 18 hours - 8000 miles. The Falkland Islands are beautiful with white sand beaches and so much wild life - penguins, seals, albatross, etc. and we had a wonderful time with our son and daughter in law. It was very expensve so we might not do it very often but now we can picture them in their day to day life which is very comforting. We use facebook, email and the occasionally facetime but their internet is too expensive for much facetime. Still, I now feel quite reassured. They seem very happy and settled and really that is all you can wish for your children, isnt it?

ffinnochio Tue 18-Nov-14 17:22:22

Sounds wonderful.
Being able to participate in and get the feel of long-distance family life is indeed comforting. That's one of the things I enjoy the most when visiting my lot in America; the morning rush, school buses, visiting their schools, ordinary afternoons, bedtimes and everything in between. No sightseeing or adventures can better that. Just the delight in joining in and getting to know the grandchildren better, and them getting to know me.

rockgran Tue 18-Nov-14 17:27:50

I think my happiest memory will be building a lego castle with them! I just wanted to add that I have found Gransnet a huge comfort during the last year. It has helped me come to terms with things and I thank you all for being there and listening. flowers

Iam64 Tue 18-Nov-14 17:55:35

So pleased to read your news rockgran. Happy memories for all of you smile

Mishap Tue 18-Nov-14 18:29:10

How wonderful that the visit went so well and that you were able to slot straight into their lives and have such a good time. Children are great - I over the way they just take these things in their stride. What a treat for you all.

thatbags Tue 18-Nov-14 18:32:39

Best thing I've heard today, rockgran! smile

sparkygran Tue 18-Nov-14 18:37:35

rockgran memories are made of this grin

whenim64 Tue 18-Nov-14 18:46:13

You've got a great attitude towards your situation, rockgran. Being happy for them is generous of you and comforting for you to know they are doing fine. I'm glad it all went so well for you flowers

Kiora Tue 18-Nov-14 18:46:15

Yes you've made my day too. It's lovely to hear or see such happy news. Memories for you to treasure.

Agus Tue 18-Nov-14 18:47:04

I remember the wrench you felt at them going rockgran and I am delighted to hear you managed to visit, giving you a clear picture now as you imagine them going about their lives. Lovely news.

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 18-Nov-14 18:51:11

I am so glad for you Rockgran.

You sound such a lovely Gran, and a very brave one. flowerscupcakesunshine

emmasnan Tue 18-Nov-14 19:50:16

How lovely for you all and some wonderful memories to have.

rosequartz Tue 18-Nov-14 20:50:22

So glad you were able to go there and visit, Rockgran

It is lovely to be able to visualise them in their home, going to school and their day-to-day life when you have visited and then have to come home again.

I must say that we only see DGS about once a year (they're Australian) but we just seem to pick up where we left off and he takes it all in his stride!