Gifting my grandchildren with passports as a present

Passports make great gifts

A passport makes a great gift to give to a child or grandchild. You have just given them the gift of travelling the world.With a passport in hand, they can dream of exploring various cultures, tasting different cuisines, learning new languages and it is educational.  When giving gifts, I like to make sure they have a purpose. Would it be better to say that they are the gift that keeps on giving?

I took my grandchildren on trips when they were young. We enjoyed long road trips or short trips to a new place to explore, regardless of the distance. Our explorations included train travel, car travel, and plane travel. The purpose was to teach them how to travel and explore the big world we live in. When we traveled, I taught them to pay attention and how important it is to do so. I also taught them to be aware of their surroundings and to be open-minded to new experiences. It encouraged them to read, research, and how to plan a trip. They gathered information in advance. They also plan itineraries that maximize their time and enjoyment.

Passports are a gift they'll never forget. I can't wait to take our first international trip together with them. It will be an unforgettable experience, I'm sure. Gifts like these are priceless for a child. When I became an amputee, it was important to me not to let it affect my activities with my grandchildren. Gifting experiences like travel creates lasting memories and strengthen relationships. It will offer far more value than material items that may lose their appeal over time. My grandson Chase was so excited to get his passport. He accompanied me to the Clerk's Office to learn about the passport application process. He will be an adult when his passport expires. What better way to inform him of the steps he needs to take to renew his passport? I decided to explain to him the process in detail, so that he could easily follow it when the time comes. The importance of renewing his passport on time was also discussed with him. 

Their first passport is another way for them to hold on to the lessons and gifts their grandmother shared with them. They can use it as a tangible reminder of the legacy shared.  Let's get the Visa's Chase and get on the road. I'm looking forward to new adventures in 2025. 

Baking and cooking together create a bonding experience for grandmother and granddaughter

When my granddaughter was three years old, she loved being my little helper in the kitchen, bringing joy and laughter as we prepared dinner, set the table, and baked tasty homemade treats for her younger brothers. The warmth of these activities filled our home with delicious aromas and created cherished memories, deepening our connection. Her infectious giggles and curious questions brought us closer, as we discovered the joy of cooking and baking together. Through these shared moments, we built a foundation of love and trust that continues to grow.

Her passion for baking and making recipes remains unchanged 14 years later. "We still share recipes and have lively discussions about cooking our favorite dishes, which keeps our bond strong today." As I watched her bake homemade cookies, memories of that sweet and intelligent little girl filled my heart with cherished memories that we will forever hold dear. I was overjoyed to capture a picture of her baking at such a young age. When I searched for the photo to compare it with a recent one,  she quickly found one in her phone. It meant the world to me to see that she cherished that memory as much as I do.  So many special events of our time in the kitchen has been captured through videos and still shots. One day she will look back on the photographs and video with so much joy. 

I love seeing her in the kitchen preparing healthy meals and baking delicious sweet treats. Watching her cook and bake also brings back memories of her great grandmother Bell. It was her wish to pass on her strawberry cake recipe to great granddaughter. She would have been so proud of her, and everyone who listened would have heard her bragging about how Joelle enjoy cooking and baking.  Our time spent together in the kitchen is another treasured memory. My inspiration to write this article just inspired me to give her a special graduation gift that she will forever treasure. Keep learning, cooking, and baking. With her  mind set on something, she can accomplish it.  I hope she never gives up on her dreams.

Jo'Elle baking cookies