Grandma Higle

Last week my Grandma passed away. She lived in Michigan and we didn't get to see her often but I have many fond memories that will always stay with me and I'd like to share a few.

I always loved coming home from school near Christmas time and seeing all the new presents that had been sent from Grandma and Papa. I remember peering through the window, seeing all the new presents under the tree and thinking, "Ok it can be Christmas now"...as if the number of presents we already had under the tree wasn't enough. I also loved that Grandma would send a bag of bows separate from the presents and let us kids put the bows on, it's the little things that really resonate with children.

During a visit in Oregon, Grandma took me (me only) out for lunch. It was such a treat to go out for lunch and I felt so special to spend that time alone with Grandma. I also remember after we ate our lunch we were looking at the desserts and Grandma got so excited that they had baklava...every time I hear that name I think of her. 

We only went to Michigan a couple of times but I absolutely loved making that trip and spending time on the lake. It was such a special time seeing Grandma and Papa in Michigan in their own home. I always wished we could go more often. But we did get to see them more often when they spent winters in Arizona, we would visit them during spring break. I always looked forward to the individual size chip bags that they would have ready for us. It was great enjoying the warm weather but sad to leave Grandma and Papa to head back to the snow.

Grandma would always ask if there were any boys I was interested in..I usually didn't have anything to report but I felt so grown up when she would ask =)

And finally Grandma had knitted Christmas stockings for all of her children...my mom took on that tradition and made us girls our own personalized stocking too. Well, just this past Christmas my mom surprised us with a stocking made for Malachi and Andrew. I'm not sure if I will try to make future kids stockings myself or nicely ask my mom to do so, but it was Grandma who started it all!

Oh and I can't forget the secret Higle chip dip....it's absolutely delicious and always a treat when made and usually consumed in a very short amount of time!

Patricia Higle

Grandma's High School Graduation Picture...absolutely beautiful!

This was always my favorite picture, Grandma and Papa for their 40th Wedding anniversary, 1993.

We got to see Grandma for her 80th birthday over facetime, a year from this past January, gotta love technology!

 I don't have any pictures here of us with Grandma, I"ll try to get one or two and update this post a little later. Also, Papa passed away before starting this blog so I'd like to remember him as well.

Love you Grandma and Papa!