Grandparents

My boys are quite lucky to have some pretty wonderful grandparents.  I base this on the fact that I had some pretty great ones growing up so I can spot them pretty well.  There's Nana (my mom) who always sends books and clothes and candy and cards just because but also remembers every event to make them feel special as well.  There Amma (Steve's mom) who calls just about daily, not to ask us what they've been doing but to talk directly to them about what they've been doing.  There's Paga (my dad) who builds them awesome mobiles and toy boxes and goes bowling with them even when he shouldn't because of his hernia.  All 3 of them commemorate every birthday and Christmas and overall special event by spoiling the boys rotten (but the good rotten).  I've realized though, that Ethan & Alex have some other honorary Grandparents in their lives as well:

Teddy Butler - Nana's husband so really that makes him Grandpa Butler; he's always been Teddy to me so that's what the boys call him, too. He puts notes on most of the boys cards as well, asks about the boys regularly and keeps up to date on all our goings on.

Mickey - Known as Grandma by most of the cousins; she's always been Mickey to me and "Grandma" is "Amma" (and the boys like Mickey Mouse so it's a nice connection for them) so they boys call her Mickey, too. She, too, asks about the boys and keeps up to date with them.

Richard & Jewel Bethel - they were like second parents to Steve growing up.  They always ask about the boys and even talk to them occassionally on the phone.  It's gotten to the point that when we go to Amma's house or call her on the phone, Ethan will often ask where "Wichad & Dewel" are.

Gloria Becker - One of Amma's best friends - she sends the boys cards for every occassion as well - birthday, Christmas, Valentine's day; the cards often have money in them, too.

Yes, my boys are very lucky - they have 3 biological grandparents and 5 honorary and step-grandparents.  Anyone who has ever had great grandparents knows that 8 such grandparents who love my boys this much makes these boys truly blessed.