Peyton was thrilled to receive my grandpa's working Continental trumpet. Grandpa purchased it used when he was in high school, circa. 1940. After a bit of research, Jeremy believes it was manufactured in the early 1910's. We know it works because Peyton is actually quite good at getting a sound to come out of it and while it's loud, it's not annoying yet. We do keep it in a special place so it's not played often and maybe that helps Mommy's nerves more than anything. Here are some pictures of Peyton, Grandpa and the trumpet.
Layla received a beautiful rocking chair from my grandma. It was originally her grandma's (Layla's great-great-grandmother's) and has a date of 1903 on the bottom. I will forever regret not getting a picture of Layla with Grandma and the rocking chair, but I didn't. Maybe someone else who was there snapped this moment for me. (If so, could you please, please, PLEASE share??) I can only hope there will be another time to get a picture of the two of them together, although I know the rocking chair will not be part of it. There's no way I could convince Jeremy to tote it along on the next 9 hour trip to Pennsylvania just for a picture. But that is something I would definitely consider. Layla also loves this gift and is frequently found sitting in it, reading a book.
Peyton and Layla were also each given a Christmas ornament. They are neither sentimental nor old, just something Grandma wanted to give them. The only reason I include it here is for this snippet overheard during the gifting:
Grandma to Layla: Here's an angel for you, because you are an angel.
Layla: Actually, I'm a princess.
Oh, how I love her honesty and innocence.
Writing this post also reminds me that Layla was gifted a tea set by my Grandma Karn the beginning of Sept. We have played with it a time or two, but at this point, I don't want it to lose it's "special, only played with when Mommy is playing" quality for Layla. I know she doesn't understand the value of a 85 year old tea set from a great-grandma. Even if there is no monetary value, all of these gifts are priceless to our family.
This picture was taken the day Grandma Karn gave Layla the tea set. Layla was being very affectionate this day, which is not normal. (Not the greatest picture, but really, it's priceless.)
These pictures were taken today when I realized I should have a picture of Layla with this gift as well. I'm not as upset about not having a picture of her with Grandma and the tea set, because the one above says it all. Grandma showed it to Layla and myself mid way through our visit and then put it away. Layla asked both Grandma and me several times if she was really taking it home. Grandma was thrilled that Layla was so excited.
It warms my heart to see my children connecting with so many generations of family. I hope they remember these moments, but realize they are probably too young. I hope there are more opportunities but also realize time is precious and life is fragile. All of my grandparents have lived wonderful lives and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have known all 4 of them myself and introduced all of them to my children. We will relish the task of caring for some treasured possessions after these special people are no longer with us.
