Precious Hand-Me-Downs

A couple of weeks ago my great-aunt Rosella passed away. She was my grandma Elsie's sister. I didn't know her well, but her passing brought many memories of my grandma to mind. I think of my grandma often. I have pictures of her on my refrigerator, including this one:

It's one of my favorite pictures of her. We spent a lot of time with my grandma Elsie growing up. She lived nearby so it was easy to visit her frequently. My siblings and I would spend the night at her apartment. She would watch us for my mom pretty regularly as well. I have fond memories of playing games, digging through her make up drawer, playing with her jewelry, and doing puzzles with her. Sweet, sweet memories.

Addison's middle name, Katherine, is from my grandma Elsie...Elsie Katherine. Addison and Jake will never know their great-grandma Elsie, a fact that makes my heart sad. But, something that brings me joy, is seeing Addison play with and love some of the games, books, and toys that came from my grandma's apartment...from my childhood.

Dominoes...complete with the KMart price sticker still on the box.

There are at least 20 pieces of tape holding this box together!

Go Fish Cards. I love, love, love these cards. They were made in 1973 (in the USA, I might add). There is not a single piece of tape on this box (as opposed to the domino box...made in taiwan).

Aren't the cards great?!?
Addison is good at this game...she beats me regularly.

Yes, those are the original instructions to the game...my grandma kept everything together.

Then, there are the books. This one was my favorite:

This book had to have been read no fewer than 500 times. I. Loved. It. Every single page is taped. If you haven't read Corduroy, you must. It's a sweet, sweet story.

This book isn't from my grandma's apartment, but it was one of my favorites too. When Addison discovered it, she wanted me to read it constantly. I secretly didn't mind so much :)

Every time we read Panda Bear's Paintbox, Addison asks about my signature. I think she likes knowing that one of her favorite books was one of her Mommy's favorites too. Or more likely, she's just forgotten, but I'm feeling sentimental here!!Grandma Elsie, I'm sad my kids missed out on meeting you, this side of Heaven. I know they would have thought you were pretty great.