Thursday, July 24, 2014

Fridays are for Falcon's

Every Friday, my mom and my aunt drive up to Falcon's Landing (a beautiful -- and ritzy -- retirement community) to visit my dear grandparents, Nonie and Nano. We try to make it up to visit as often as we can!


 Last week was extra-memorable because Mary and Lia were able to come as well. I love this picture of Nonie studying little Lia's precious fingers, and Lia studying Nonie's beautiful face (and sweet Charlotte who loves them both!)



We, of course, used this opportunity as a big photo-op!


Charlotte and Kateri are always beyond thrilled when that camera comes out!
Four Generations of ladies (and poor Sebastian stuck in the middle haha. Good thing he will have a boy cousin soon)!

We had these five littles (including the little guy still baking!), and so we were only missing little Zoe to round out all of Nonie's and Nano's great-grand babies! (We missed you, Kris!!)

I love going to visit them, and there are always highlights to every visit. Seeing Nonie and Nano is one of the greatest gifts of my life, and I am so thankful that they live nearby!

Nonie is a fount of wisdom and has given me great advice, from cleaning tips, to the best way to burp a baby (I guess she would know after having twins!!), to moral dilemmas. She is witty and quick to laugh, and never ever complains. Nonie always takes great care to look beautiful~ it is no surprise that she modeled in the past! She always makes it a point to walk (yes WALK) to daily Mass, in spite of icy biting wind in the winter or oppressive heat during the summer. And, speaking of walking, she walks FAST.  She will give you a run for your money if you walk next to her, and you may find yourself out of breath! She is an inspiration in many ways, but one of the biggest ways that she has inspired me is in her balanced approach to eating healthily and exercise. She is a great proponent of moderation in all things. She has had an exercise and stretch routine her whole life. And I am sure this plays a part in her speed-walk! Not only does Nonie take great care in taking care of her health, she also makes it a point to read, play word games, and stay on top of the news. She loves adventures, and has many stories, one of my favorites is when she travelled down California . . . her chosen mode of transportation?? . . a motorcycle! Nonie loves her faith and lives it every day. I am so thankful for her prayers and for all that she has taught me! It is a great gift to see her once a week!

Nano always has a great welcoming smile and really shares his joy, especially his joy with the little grandbabies. He is a lover of routine and perfection. This doesn't surprise me as I am sure that that attention to detail helped him fly over two hundred successful missions for the air force. He is so humble and, though he has truly done many great feats, rarely will talk of it but when he does, he says it was only his duty. Nano has taken his love of perfection to cooking, and he is, without a doubt, a talented chef! Soups, chilis, apple pies, breads, granola, even his sandwiches are works of art! A few months ago, we were all talking about Nano's cooking, and he looked at Nonie and said he only cooks because  "A beautiful woman should never have to cook!" Nano is very witty, and he often chimes in to the conversation with funny one-liners. One of the ways Nano has always inspired me is his willingness and readiness to try something new. After he retired from the air force, he decided to become a salmon fisherman! He bought a beautiful little fishing boat- the Mokoli- and learned all the ropes. He even was interviewed by the news as he unloaded his catch! What a blessing to know this amazing man~ I am so thankful for his wit and wisdom, and all he has taught me as well!

I absolutely LOVE watching Nano watch the little grandkids.




It is a treasure to see how much he loves them, and how much they love him! So much joy to go all around. I am especially impressed because dear Nano is in constant severe pain, but he always makes it a point to see the little 'greats'.

Sebastian and his great grandfather.

 
 
 
Nano and his first great grandson!
 
 


They look pretty happy to share each others company!


Charlotte has watched Nano using his cane, and she is very intrigued by it. She knows exactly where it 'goes' in their apartment, and she also will use it to provide constant entertainment for the rest of us!

One of the more mild photos ;)
 
 
 Charlotte was very pleased with using Mihi's scarf as a bandanna.



And of course, I cannot help but snap a few pictures of Sebastian with his aunts!

Mimi used her magic and Sebastian slept for over an hour in her arms!

Another time, I needed a hand with Sebastian as I changed Kateri's diaper. Lucy was so sweet to step up right away to the challenge. You can tell Sebastian felt very comfortable!


And, Sebastian with Libby, who will be joining the Nashville Dominicans August 15th (!!!! What a day to enter!)


And, any post would be remiss without a picture or two of my little joy, Kateri!

That little face!
I am so thankful for our wonderful visits with Nonie and Nano~ they are a treasure indeed!

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