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Pool Party at Grandma Mandy's!

IAll throughout the school year last year, Emmalyn, Annabelle and Addison made plans to have a pool party this summer at Grandma Mandy's! Today, those wishes came true! 

Colton and Dad were heading to Waveland for a guys only fishing trip...part of Colton's birthday gift from Uncle Jacob. 


So, while the boys are away, the girls will play! I asked Emmalyn who she might like to take to the new splashpad that just opened in Remington, and she was quick to reply, Addi, Madi & Annabelle. So, we checked the girls schedules, loaded them up and headed north!

We ate a quick lunch at McDonalds, food for any good swimsuit model, and continued our track west!
We loved the new water park! It was great for this age kids, but especially great for Keaton! What can I say, boys will be boys! Haha
Once we got bored here, we took off for Grandma Mandy's pool! 

The kids had a great time, but there were two moments that warmed my heart more than any.

Mom always says she doesn't want to be called Grandma Hall. "Those are some big shoes to fil", she says. You see, my grandma Hall didn't know a stranger. All were welcome in her house. She loved my friends, FFA acquaintances, "other side" of the family... just as much as she loved her own blood relation. She had an open door, an open mind, and an open heart.

Two weeks ago, my own mom opened her door, mind & heart (and fridge) to some of my closest girlfriends for a (much needed!) girls afternoon pool party. She had snacks, set up the pool and music, came with coozies and a can opener, and enjoyed the afternoon with us! 

Today, she came along with the next generation of girlfriends, opening her doors and her heart to Em's gang and making them feel right at home. 

It dawned on me when one of Em's friends outright called her "Grandma Mandy"....that she'd filled those shoes left by Grandma Hall, and was making her own set of shoes to fill. 

I'd be remiss to not thank Grandma Hancock for teaching mom how to be so kind and loving. I've been blessed by some pretty great Grandmas. They are both wonderful examples. 

I feel beyond blessed that my kids, and their friends, will know the love, kindness and open door policy that is Grandma Mandy. 

Mom, thanks for being a great example, and for opening your doors, and most importantly your heart, to my kids and their friends. Trust me when I say these kids won't soon forget that kindness and love! 

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