For a lot of years, I have enjoyed how my family has grown.

It started and flourished for a time with my four kids, two boys and two girls.

It is always true that as parents we have notions on what our kids might become. Toss that idea; kids are going to make their own choices, and sometimes stumble along the way. If you are honest and clear your mind, you likely will remember a few times you stubbed your toes along the way.

As parents, we have the unique ability to make adjustments and start over again.

Sometimes it takes a lot of adjusting.

If you have kids, you likely will become grandparents.  Don’t believe it when you are told that life will become easier. Grandkids can take more time than your own kids.

We have five, and seven great grandkids. The greats are a bit easier because by then age has become a factor.

But you never get too old to enjoy a growing family.

A few days ago, a new great grandchild was welcomed into the family. Camille, our granddaughter from South Korea gave birth to her second child. Taeyeong joins his sister, Ahreum, into the family. Camille and her husband Mark, who is Philippine, have made us an international family.

We have two greats, Hanna and Jackson, who live in Anacortes with parents Courtney and Jay.

Ashley Landeros lives in Coulee Dam with husband Victor, and they have added three greats to the family, Kaylee, Damon, and Westlyn. 

The stages of moving from your own kids to grandkids and then great grandkids is different, but the level of concern and joy is very similar.

You say you haven’t been there yet. You likely will someday. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.