When our 7 year old granddaughter, KC first arrived at our Hawaii home from Chicago I wanted to childproof the house. I had a child gate put at the top of the stairs. I got our plastic bowls and cups ready for her to use.
On seeing my preparations, our daughter, Tiffany said, "You really didn't have to do all this, Mom. KC is usually quite careful."
Wasn't it just yesterday that she was a toddler?
Their last visit was two years ago. When I look back at the photos from that summer, it makes me tear up to see how much she's grown.
Now she couldn't wait to help Art deliver Meals on Wheels lunches. All of Art's "clients" were thrilled to see a little girl delivering their food and showered her with attention and little treats. Ummm... sometimes, they weren't exactly little treats.
At home she insisted on putting the trash bin back from the roadway.
"It's too heavy for you," I told her. "Let me do it."
"I can, Grandma. You'll see." she said.
And she did.
She helped me with baking and Art with cooking breakfast French toast.
What she really loved to do is work with plants.
Art let her help with planting pineapples and trimming bonsai.
I was surprised to see him allowing her to do some of the trimming.
As often as she could she would help her great grandmother water the plants in the morning.
I asked Art to get our family photos framed while I was gone and was happy to see them beautifully done.
Art said KC's dad was quite surprised to see his little daughter handling a power tool.
Art showed her exactly how to drill tiny holes for the eye hook on which the hanging wires would be strung.
He took these photos to prove she'd done it.
Eventually, I got used to KC helping with all sorts of chores.
Granted Tiffany said sometimes it takes quite a bit longer to get chores done when she's helping.
Still, I think we're all savoring these times hoping they continue into her teenage years.
And you know what?
KC did not break a single glass cup or plate during her entire stay.
I just wish she wouldn't grow up so fast!
On seeing my preparations, our daughter, Tiffany said, "You really didn't have to do all this, Mom. KC is usually quite careful."
Their last visit was two years ago. When I look back at the photos from that summer, it makes me tear up to see how much she's grown.
Now she couldn't wait to help Art deliver Meals on Wheels lunches. All of Art's "clients" were thrilled to see a little girl delivering their food and showered her with attention and little treats. Ummm... sometimes, they weren't exactly little treats.
At home she insisted on putting the trash bin back from the roadway.
"It's too heavy for you," I told her. "Let me do it."
"I can, Grandma. You'll see." she said.
And she did.
She helped me with baking and Art with cooking breakfast French toast.
What she really loved to do is work with plants.
Art let her help with planting pineapples and trimming bonsai.
I was surprised to see him allowing her to do some of the trimming.
As often as she could she would help her great grandmother water the plants in the morning.
I asked Art to get our family photos framed while I was gone and was happy to see them beautifully done.
Art said KC's dad was quite surprised to see his little daughter handling a power tool.
Art showed her exactly how to drill tiny holes for the eye hook on which the hanging wires would be strung.
He took these photos to prove she'd done it.
Eventually, I got used to KC helping with all sorts of chores.
Granted Tiffany said sometimes it takes quite a bit longer to get chores done when she's helping.
Still, I think we're all savoring these times hoping they continue into her teenage years.
And you know what?
KC did not break a single glass cup or plate during her entire stay.
I just wish she wouldn't grow up so fast!
my oldest twin grand daughters are 16, almost driving and juniors in high school-not long till they are off to college. But I still have a 2 and 4 1/2 year olds to spoil and enjoy. Fun photos!
ReplyDeleteIt is simply amazing how quickly they grow up and away. She is a beautiful and talented young lady already. And I too feel that same feeling when I see how much all my nieces and nephews have grown up, now with children of their own who are growing so fast! :-)
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes at this touching post. She is a helpul little girl as we watch her grow up through your eyes.
ReplyDeleteSince you hadn't seen KC in so long, it isn't surprising she was 'frozen in time' at a much younger age in your mind.
ReplyDeleteI see my grandson every couple of weeks, if not every week, and I swear he grows and becomes more adult each time. Very lovely post about your granddaughter.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful story! she is such a wonderful grandchild. now, if i could just get one!
ReplyDeleteThey have a tendancy to do that. One is now out of the Navy. Two have graduated college. Another has her first job and is just starting college. Some days I feel really old.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to see them grow up so fast but the blessing is that it is just what they are supposed to be doing. KC is lucky to have so much family that loves her and loves teaching her so much.
ReplyDeleteSounds like KC is being raised very well. It is good to have such big helper. I am looking forward to the time when my grandchildren need less supervision and care. Right now, I can hardly take my eyes off of them for fear they will hurt themselves,but I know the time is coming that they won't need me, but I will always need them.
ReplyDeleteIt's good she was so helpful. I think a lot of kids her age want to help out, but since nobody really gives them any time to practice when they finally take control on a task they usually break something.
ReplyDeleteWatching them grow is my thrill. Look how the childish lines have stretched to young girl. Their minds grow, too. Wonderful stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how much she has grown since I first started visiting your blog over five years ago!! Time does indeed fly, doesn't it? And what a helpful one she is!! Thanks for sharing these, Kay, I love them all!! It is easy to see how much you and Art enjoy having her there!!
ReplyDeleteLittle children love to help and do things, when I was 7 I am now 66 years young I could cook, sew, plan and new about a checking account. My mother died when I was about this age, I grew up to do lots of things most kids never did, I had to! I lived with so-called relatives and was practically their maid and housekeeper, we were taken away my brother and my sister and I after my gym teacher noticed bruising all over my back and bum from the beatings, that teacher said no one has the right to beat you and your siblings ever! I have advocated against domestic violence my entire life and I am very very soft hearted toward tiny babies, toddlers and little children they cannot defend themselves and are precious angels on this earth..I love love your blog, you adore your family and your granddaughter KC is so sweet growing up right before your eyes and on the blog somewhat, I appreciate you don't let her face be shown for privacy reasons, but I adore your blog, you are a peaceful and loving human being and your husband the same like you our world would be better if there were more like you and your husband Art, enjoy your week...ciao mary from the pacific northwest!
ReplyDeleteAwww... Mary, thank you for your kind words. You've just brightened my entire week.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your terrible childhood. Thank goodness you had such an observant, involved gym teacher. It's interesting that often times the trials we undergo as children can make us stronger and more empathetic unless it breaks you. It turned you into a loving advocate for people who aren't able to help themselves. Thank you.
She has grown and it sounds as though she is becoming a lovely young person to have around.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little girl KC is, so helpful and fun to have around. She will remember and cherish helping her grandparents all her life. My kids, grown up now, have those wonderful memories of "helping" very patient grandparents and they are so important to them.
ReplyDeleteYou and yours embody "Ohana." What a smile-inducing post!
ReplyDeleteIt goes way too fast. My grand nieces are around the same age as KC so I know what you mean. Lets do hope all that sweetness and helpfulness survives teenage. Somehow in her case, I think if will.
ReplyDeleteSplendid little person!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
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The power of mentors! people demonstrate things and it catches on. Grandpa does plants and KC thinks it's cool so she does plants and learns along the way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a competent young person!
ReplyDeleteKC is such a helpful child with good motor skills. Just look at how good she is at using the power drill.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that KC loves to work with you all. I hope it lasts. My grand kids are now much more in to their own pursuits, but then, they are used to having us around now.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I believe if she had broken something, no one would care a bit:)
ReplyDeleteA joyful time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy KC is!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, can I borrow KC??
ReplyDelete