Normally, I see our long-distance grandchildren around holidays. Sometimes at a hotel or a gathering spot. Occasionally at our house or theirs. But, on those occasions, our relationships are compressed into specific holiday traditions and endeavors.

Our youngest daughter, Charity, used to bring her toddlers to visit sometimes just for a normal week. She wanted her children to experience life at our house in its normal cadence of work/play/eat/sleep/church.

This week, I’ve returned the favor. My excuse was a minor surgery for the youngest grandson. He sailed through and barely knew he’d been away from home. The rest of the week has been divided between Charity’s house and Felicity’s. So I’m seeing both sets of grandchildren in their natural habitats. (Yes, the two divas pictured here are wearing their every day clothes. They have style.)

I think this is a good model for other relationships in life, too. It is easy to be a work-friend or even a church-friend without ever being the kind of friend who can be seen without makeup. Or who can admit a bad mood, a serious struggle, or a desperation for something chocolate at 10:00am!

I’m loving this week. (Although it has one serious flaw. My husband had to stay home to take care of sick folks.) We are making tremendous memories that feature book reading and bike riding instead of presents under the tree.

Maybe I can translate all my relationships into their natural habitats.