We’ve had two plus packed weeks. We had a week’s vacation with dear friends and were home for less than 24 hours before our youngest, his wife and their 16-month-old arrived for an eight day stay. It’s been busy and a bit chaotic and a juggling act with both of us working this week—but these are the best kind of problems to have. There is nothing better than being with people you love and as I have learned, the hard way, every one of those moments needs to be appreciated and savored.

It’s such a treat to see our littlest grandchild walking, running and splashing his feet in the pool for the first time. He’s gotten (mostly) comfortable with out three crazy dogs and has offered gentle pets to each of them, something that makes them happy and makes him laugh. He’s dropped enough food off of the high chair to make all of them think he is their new best friend. In fact, those times when he’s walked around the kitchen with food in his hand (generally a bit of bread or bagel), our Golden Retriever thinks it’s an invitation to share. Okay, maybe not share maybe just grab it because it is at her eye level!

This weekend we’ve had more kids and grandkids here and, while I may be a bit “over” the incessant dishwasher loading and unloading, it was wonderful to have a house filled with laughter and family. The noise level was high—kids, adults, a baby and dogs—and I loved every second of it.

Now everyone has headed home. We’ve kissed the baby cheeks as many times as we could manage, hugged all the adults and watched the cars pull away. The dogs are all sleeping, worn out from all the activity, the baby furniture is broken down and put away and the last load of sheets is in the dryer. And it is quiet. Too quiet I think. On the one hand, it is a chance to catch our breath after this whirlwind couple of weeks and, on the other hand, I am a bit sad that it is over,

Every moment in our lives in unique and non-repeatable. I see it especially with the kids who change, even in the course of weeks. In the midst of all of the “busy,” it is hard to just grab a moment and hold it tightly, preserve it in our memories. Holding those feelings, holding the softness of chubby baby cheeks as I kiss them, the little feet that still fit right in my hand, these are treasures I want to, need to hold onto for the long haul, precious memories to fill my full heart.