Most of our adventures are something we choose to do. A few of our adventures are those that are thrust upon us. Becoming grandparents has probably become the most pleasurable of these latter types of adventures. In June of 2015 we welcomed our first grand daughter, Elizabeth Kay Dancy.  She has totally changed our lives in ways we never knew existed. She has a smile that brightens any room, and a laugh will make the most dour soul smile.

And now, Elizabeth has a sister, Amelia Ellen Dancy. She is darling in every way, and so necessity dictates that Grammy and Papa must once more board a plane to the midwest to visit these beautiful people.

Parents are funny in that the first child is met with loads of caution. When Elizabeth was born, she didn’t whimper without someone springing to their feet. Amelia has the benefit of parental experience and mom and dad are less home bound this time around. As proof, we were able to enjoy some wonderful little outings with the kids.

Our first adventure was to a pumpkin patch in the town I grew up, Blue Springs. Elizabeth loved playing the games, riding the hayride, and walking the corn maze. A little too much adventure made selecting a pumpkin hard, but the day was a huge success. Amelia decided to sleep soundly through the entire outing.

The kids love the zoo and Elizabeth loves the penguins. Kansas City has a nice zoo that is very spread out. Visitors get lots of exercise seeing the exhibits. I remember visiting the zoo once with my parents. My father denied us the ride on the train saying we were there to look at animals, not ride the rides.  Being the dad and papa that I am, I had to ride the train with son and grand daughter!

Our visit was a short three day in and out affair. Before we left, I made arrangements to have drinks with an old friend from the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Jonathan Plummer. For over five years, I stopped in Brookside to carpool to chorus rehearsals together. Those drives through mid-town Kansas City included some of my favorite conversations of all time. While the move to New England has been filled with adventures and new friends, there are many times I miss the people back home. Fortunately, we live in the world of Facebook, though not perfect, it gives the opportunity to still be a part of each other’s lives.

 

Based on our first adventure together, I can tell that our lives will be doubly blessed with the addition of Amelia. I look forward to watching her grow and having to wrap myself around another beautiful girl’s cute little finger.

 

 

 

 

 

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller