I've always lamented that my children are too far away from family. I've worried that they've missed out on the bonds with my parents and their cousins. I want to pass the traditions, the legacy and the love from the Hatch family to them. This summer I really felt like I was able to do that. Both of the girls had sewing lessons from grandma. They both made pillows that they cherish and refuse to sleep without. Liesel even made a little quilt! They spent evening hours cleaning the green beans with us on the back porch. They picked her flowers and made little homes in the garden. They cooked in the kitchen and were always enthusiastic about the frequent ice cream cones that grandma would buy. They fished with grandpa several times a week. Hannah caught her own little fishes several times and proved to be a more patient and diligent fisherwoman. She crafted her own fishing pole from a plastic stick she found and would fish about 18 inches from the bank and reel in tiny fish after tiny fish. They made a bug collection with grandpa and enjoyed peppering him with questions as he patiently answered.
Grandma also taught Liesel how to swim. She spent about 45 minutes one morning and by the end of the lesson, L could make a desperate go across the deep end. By the end of our stay she was able to swim across the entire pool down and back.
Little Felicity grew a TON while we there. While I was gone in Asheville, my mom was helping her learn to balance and take more than a few steps. A week after I returned Felicity stood up at church, took 22 steps, fell down and got back up never to return to crawling again.
Hannah never once went to primary without either my mom or I (usually grandma). She was always covered in mosquito bites (they love her!) which meant she was covered in scabs.
We introduced them to several Hatch classics like Sound of Music and the old and new Parent Traps. Liesel especially loved them since she could follow the plot better. They were also introduced to the ring game and there is NOTHING better than watching Hannah fool grandpa. When H gets hyper/excited it is the most hilarious thing on the planet. And she was honestly fooling him over and over again!
I'm so happy we had this summer to spend with them. I'm so grateful for the help they gave me. It was such a positive experience and one I hope they cherish forever. Only three more years... :(
