“Finally”, my 7 year old grandson Mac says. “Finally, I get to spend the night at your new house.”

“I know”, says I. “Why has it taken so long?”

“I don’t know.” he replies. “I just don’t know.”

Well, I’m not quite sure either, but it probably has something to do with not being able to find sheets for the bed, not having a functional kitchen for months and not being able to walk through the house due to towering columns of boxes. You know, moving issues! We’ve had them for several months. Yuck!

But now, things seem to be improving. I have a stove! Yeah! The washer and dryer work! Yeah! There are pathways throughout the house! Yeah! So I’m ready for grandchildren to come for sleepovers! Yeah!

Having a kiddo spend the night is so much fun for Gramps and me. We love spending one-on-one time with each child. The conversations, the sharing, the snuggling, it’s all special and unique with each child each time.

When Mac comes over, he first makes all the requisite visits with Gramps to the camper, the truck, the garage, the backyard – all the boy places. The two of them have imaginary games they play each time in each area. For example – while in the truck, they pretend they are driving to an imaginary town they have named “Noodle, Texas”. They talk about what they see, the road they are on, who will be there when they arrive. They laugh and carry on like two old friends. Then it’s off to the camper for the imaginary camping and fishing time. And on and on until all the familiar places have been visited and enjoyed. It’s all great fun! It happens every time! And no girls allowed!

We always try to spend some time outside with Mac when possible. That can be construction work in the sand box, gardening (he has his own tools!) or simply walking around the neighborhood observing whatever might be happening.

Mac loves to cook, so he is a big helper in the kitchen. Of course, we try to have his favorites for dinner and he always sets the table for us. What a sweet boy!

After dinner is LEGO time or maybe a board game. Whatever it is, we are usually on the floor with Mac – lots of touching, giggling, smiling and high fives!

Before going to bed, there’s shower, brushing teeth, PJs and don’t forget, reading time. Gramps has read to Mac at bedtime since he was a baby and even though he can now read for himself, he still loves being read to. So three books, four funny voices and two snuggly bodies later, it’s off to bed.

First thing next morning, Mac and Gramps are in the kitchen together, in their pajamas, making applesauce pancakes. It’s a longstanding tradition, not to be broken. Usually, they make more than enough pancakes, so we eat them all day long!

Having all these special activities , special foods and special routines is what makes sleepovers so fun. These things only happen at our house with us and become special because of their rarity and uniqueness.

Gramps and I adore these times because we have the kiddo’s full attention and desire to be with us. The conversations can be amazing! The cuddling is heavenly! And we are all relaxed. No one is leaving in an hour. We have lots of time to just “be” together. That’s the best of all!