A Journey to Add 2 more: Vegas trip

We met my Grandparents that live in California at our midway point. Our old home for 20+ years...... Las Vegas. They hadn't met our boys yet, so we were all excited for that. My grandparents were like a 2nd set of parents to me when I was younger. Every time they came to see us, they came bearing gifts. Every time we would go and see them, they were sure to have Mr. P's Pizzas, chocolate milk and bacon all on hand. We would spend months with them every year. When I was in traditional school we would normally go stay a month with them. WITHOUT our parents which made it super fun ;) My grandma always took us shopping for our birthday when we got older and would let us pick out whatever we wanted. She worked a department store and would get about 40% discount, so we could really get some great things if we caught a sale. When Cody was born in 1994, things changed (for the better). I started to call my grandparents Mama and Papa because I did not want to confuse him. He was their grandchild also, but when they took custody we thought the title Mama and Papa was fitting until he decided what he wanted to call them (he calls them Mom and Dad). I was in a year round school and spent every single school break with them helping them raise "my boy". It is crazy to think he is 19. I remember pacing the living room to keep him quiet, so Mama and Papa could sleep. Sadly, as Cody got older, so did Mama and Papa. My poor Papa is getting older, but because MANY jobs do not offer a retirement anymore, and they spent the money they would normally have saved in their adult lives raising MANY of their grandchildren. Papa still works a full time, very physical job and it has taken it's toll. Sadly, I believe he will work until the day he is unable :(

I was so thankful for this trip. I do not see them as often as I would like, and each time I see them, I fear it may be the last. Mama cried as she said goodbye. Matthias was asleep, but Adam smiled at her and she lost it. He has a way of touching people's hearts! Papa looked at me with tears brimming in his eyes and said "Jackie, you have amazing kids." Then with his voice breaking added "All of them." Then he hurried off. My dad is 61 years old and has only seen Papa cry 2 times in his life. This was huge. My kids had broken that rough exterior and touched him deeply.

Unfortunately, I have been to may funerals in my life, one just last week. It made me think..... what would I say in honor of my amazing "Papa" I have sooooo many things I could say. He has been through a lot in his life, and may have been a rotten kid, but he raised my AMAZING father and showed all of us love even if it was with a strong hand. He has taught me soooo much in my life. I will never be able to repay him for all he has done for me, but I will do my best to live worthy of him. One of the best men in the World!!!

I love you PAPA!!!!

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Mama had just finished loving on Adam.