whobody misses grandpa firetruck?

Well...as I wrote in a previous post...our beloved Grandpa Firetruck passed away.  He was 93 years old and ready to go. We will all miss him dearly (especially Lola)...over the last few years we have really become close with him and I have really enjoyed getting to know him as a "great grandpa". 

There are lots of memories that I have of him as my grandpa....spending time at his house after school....eating BLT's for supper....watching baseball with him....and him teaching me how to play solitaire.  BUT, the memories most dear to my heart are the ones of him and my kids.  It was always so sweet to go and visit grandpa and see him with our kids.  He was always willing to hold my babies (which were usually too heavy for him by the time they were 3 months old...but he insisted anyway). 

Our whole family truly enjoyed our trips to Monona over the last few years to take Grandpa out for supper...and then go to his apartment and play cards (and toys).  He was happy to play Memory or UNO with the kids...and read them books.  Much to my dismay, he would never deny the kids a cookie...even if they didn't help clean up. :)  Grandpa's house, Grandpa's rules.  He always referred to Lola as "his girl" and they seemed to have a special bond.  She seems to be the one missing him the most.... 

Our fond memories of Grandpa are a little clouded over with his last year in the hospital and nursing home...because there, he was not happy and not himself....and of course, not as much fun to visit.  That seems to have made our loss a little easier....knowing that he was not happy here anymore...but still we miss him lots.  We are SO lucky to have so many great memories of him from the last few years.  Our kids are SO lucky to have gotten to know their great grandpa so well. 

Here are a few pictures of Grandpa Firetruck.... :) as so many people told me at his visitation "Grandpas are SO special."