“Mom, Can We Visit Grandmother and Grandfather?”

With all of the bustle in our daily life, escaping to their grandparents' magical house is a much-welcomed break for grandkids and parents alike. After trekking the kids to soccer practice, gymnastics, lacrosse, archery, to name a few, we parents and kids need a break.  And the answer is not Disney or the beach but to grandmother and grandfather's house. 

Grandmother's and Grandfather's house is where the pendulum of handcrafted clocks tick and tock rhythmically, but time seems to slow down.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where the smells of fresh chruściki, or angel wings, fill the kitchen, enticing the children.  Their big smiles and white powder sugar faces wait patiently for more.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where the little ones wake up early to pick squishy marshmallows from their special bush.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where an attic filled with old-fashioned toys is discovered.  The eternity of playing tinker toys or Candyland then ensues.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where making sandcastles and digging for treasures is part of the daily routine.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where fish are caught to the delight of children.  Proudly their pictures are taken and hung on the bulletin board of memories.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where an enormous dollhouse is available for boys and girls to play endless imaginative make-believe scenarios.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where painting the white picket fence is an opportunity to learn the importance of hard work and patience.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where we discover the relics of our parent’s childhood and the beginning of our lives.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where it is possible to discover dinosaur eggs filled with jelly bellies and other mystical magic that nobody questions.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where hugs are given, showing the deepest affection and where everything thing is allowed.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where watching Tom and Jerry and other cartoons are not prohibited but encourages giggles from little amused faces.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where water mysteriously streams through an old-fashioned red pump only when grandfather is around.

Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s house is where soda and ice cream are abundant, and bellies are filled with Jell-O jigglers.

Although Grandmother's and Grandfather's house is only a fond memory, it will live within their grandchildren and me for a lifetime.  Someday, I want my grandkids to experience the wonder and magic of their Grandparent's house.