visit to grandma's house

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• Growing Up & Facts of Life

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A Visit to Grandma's House Board book – Picture Book, May 2 2023

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• Reading age Baby - 4 years
• Part of series Tender Moments
• Print length 20 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 1.91 x 20.32 x 20.32 cm
• Publisher Kidsbooks Publishing
• Publication date May 2 2023
• ISBN-10 1638542139
• ISBN-13 978-1638542131
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kidsbooks Publishing (May 2 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Board book ‏ : ‎ 20 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1638542139
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1638542131
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 431 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.91 x 20.32 x 20.32 cm
• #1,616 in Children's Books on Multigenerational Family Life
• #77,494 in Literature & Fiction for Children (Books)

About the author

Kidsbooks publishing.

Our name says it all. We make books…for kids! Creating high quality products for kids and their caregivers to enjoy is what fuels our passion to innovate and perfect our craft. We love what we do and work hard to show it in every product we make!

Kidsbooks Publishing is dedicated to creating books, in a variety of formats, that will educate, entertain, and delight children of all ages. Our mission is to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. Each product is designed to support parent-and-child interactions and building memories that last a lifetime. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for updates on what we’re working on for you and your family to enjoy!

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14 Things That You’d See When Visiting Grandma’s House

For most people, stepping into Grandma’s house was like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule, full of sights and smells that set off little nostalgia bombs inside your head and heart.

From the smell of fresh-baked cookies permanently embedded in the floral wallpaper, to the knick-knacks collected over decades that were hidden in every nook and cranny, it was a place where memories were perfectly locked in place.

READ MORE:  Things You'd Find in Every '90s Home Back in the Day (Photos)

Obviously, nostalgia can play tricks on you, and this experience isn’t the same for everyone, but let’s take some time to meander down memory lane as we check in on the things that always made a trip to Grandma’s house an unforgettable experience.

LOOK: Things You Saw at Grandma's House

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: Can You Recognize These Iconic '70s Objects

Look: do you know these iconic quotes from '70s tv shows.

Gallery Credit: Sofia Voss

Step into Grandma's house, where cookie tins hold mysteries and even the toilet roll cover has a story to tell.

Unused pretty soaps.

Grandma loved a floral scent but don’t you dare open them because they are for display only. These beautifully packaged soaps and gem-like bottles were precious treasures. At some point, they lost their scent but it didn’t matter—again, for display only.

Your Old Toys

We had no idea how but our old toys somehow found themselves into Grandma’s basement and closets as playthings for the younger grandkids during family get-togethers. You’d be sure to tell those ungrateful cousins “These were MINE…” and it was weird when some would magically find themselves in the bag of leftovers and make their way back home.

Afghan Blankets

You can also file these “blankets” as strictly for display purposes only, usually on the back of the sofa, giving Roseanne vibes. They boasted vibrant ’70s colors (brown, dark brown, brown-ish orange) and even attempting to use them as blankets would result in potential strangulation. They were strikingly similar to giant doilies, which admittedly is a word I've never typed before and looks quite peculiar.

Kinda Scary Clown Figurines

Grandma had never heard of Stephen King or watched Poltergeist and she loved her sad clown Royal Doulton figurines that adorned her many glass-fronted display furniture pieces. Some of these clowns clutched bunches of balloons and were clearly understood as being “DO NOT TOUCH.” That didn’t stop your mischievous older cousin, who would sneakily wind up the music boxes found next to these clowns and make them play in the dead of night.

So Many Collectible Spoons

What's the deal with all the hands-off items? Back in the day, collecting spoons was all the rage, and Grandma had quite the assortment from all the towns she visited. Among them were tiny spoons, big spoons, and those that appeared to be just your average spoon with nothing more than a town name etched onto them.

All the Useless Gifts That You Gave Her

Maybe Grandma could have brought these out of the closet when we visited, but I like to imagine that all the knick-knacks we showered her with over the years for birthdays and Christmases (seriously, why didn't Grandparents' Day catch on?) were her cherished treasures. She proudly displayed them around her home. I’m serious, we once gifted her a three-foot-tall porcelain leopard from a discount store, and that majestic cat proudly guarded the laundry room door for as long as I can remember.

Really Bad Photos of You

There’s no way you’d let Mom hang some of the more awkward photos of you in the house. Grandma would have none of that. She saw your pimply-faced charm as a "gift to the ladies" and proudly showcased your mug with its crooked smile on the wall of the hall, right outside the kitchen.

Kitchen Utensils with an Unknown Purpose

Grandma was an outstanding cook and she had the kitchen tools to prove it. There was a drawer full of what looked like ancient weaponry, with items crafted from heavily-oxidized metal and others carved from chunky, weathered wood. And when I say they resembled weapons, I mean they eventually found themselves repurposed as playtime weapons whenever Grandma was occupied tending to her garden outside. I still have the scars.

Strangers’ Coats

You may not know a Dave but Grandma inevitably had a jacket with his name emblazoned on it hanging in the coat closet. You’d ask who Dave was and she’d say, “He left that here years ago. Either fixed the washing machine or the fridge. He’ll come back for it.” Well, Dave must have moved on from that job or upgraded his coat, but every now and then, we'd find ourselves wearing his jacket when it was time to dash out and feed the cats after dinner. Thanks, Dave!

Expired Spices in Tins

Bless Grandma’s frugal heart. She had lived through it and nothing would go to waste. She knew that a little expired Italian seasoning wasn’t gonna hurt anyone.

Bowls of Candies

This always seemed like a well-thought-out strategy. There were bowls of candies all over Grandma’s house - a child’s dream! These bowls were super fancy, some looking like crystal disco balls. These weren't your average bowls—they were fancy, some resembling crystal disco balls. But here's the kicker—they were filled with candies that kids would only really want one of. Think strawberry-filled Bon Bons, Werther's Originals, and pillow mints. It was pure genius.

I still don’t know what bobby pins are for. I’m pretty sure they are for hair. Are they the same as hairpins? I don’t know. But what I do know is that mischievous cousin is back and he’s making what we called a bobby pin “bee stinger” and he’s stinging you with it while you’re trying to watch Planet of the Apes on the black and white set in the basement.

Toilet Paper Roll Cover Doll

I remain convinced to this day that not a single square of TP was ever torn from beneath this doll’s jaunty gown. She kept you company while you read National Geographic magazines (Grandma’s) and Archie digests (yours).

Old Cookie Tin with Sewing Supplies

It might sound cliché, but it's absolutely true. Next to Grandma's favorite chair, there was always a cookie tin filled to the brim with sewing needles, spools of thread, and a pin cushion that resembled a plump strawberry. However, Grandma also kept another cookie tin in the kitchen���but this one was filled with her famous homemade chocolate chip cookies, not store-bought. And let me tell you, that was more than okay with us.

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Grandma's House Hardcover – Picture Book, October 27, 2015

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Reading age 4 - 8 years
• Print length 32 pages
• Language English
• Grade level Preschool - 3
• Dimensions 8.63 x 0.5 x 10.13 inches
• Publisher Tate
• Publication date October 27, 2015
• ISBN-10 1849762228
• ISBN-13 978-1849762229
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tate; Illustrated edition (October 27, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1849762228
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1849762229
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.63 x 0.5 x 10.13 inches
• #2,790 in Children's Multigenerational Family Life

About the author

Alice melvin.

Illustrator Alice Melvin was born in the north-east of England and now lives in Scotland.

Her first children’s book An A to Z Treasure Hunt was published by Tate in 2007. Alice went on to publish a further eight titles with Tate including Counting Birds, The High Street and Grandma’s House, winning a Book Trust Best New Illustrator Award in 2011. Alice has also worked with Tate on an extensive range of children’s merchandise including many interactive ‘cut-out-and-make’ kits and children’s clothing. Released in 2022 her book Mouse’s Wood is published by Thames and Hudson.

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A Visit to Grandmother

28 pages • 56 minutes read

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Summary and Study Guide

Summary: “a visit to grandmother”.

“A Visit to Grandmother” is a short story by American author William Melvin Kelley, first published in his collection Dancers on the Shore (1964). The story centers around Chig, a 17-year-old boy, and his father, Dr. Charles Dunford , as they visit Chig’s grandmother in Nashville, Tennessee. During their visit, Charles challenges issues that have long damaged his relationship with his mother, and the confrontation reaches a breaking point when he exposes his long-held resentment over the way he was treated compared to his favored younger brother, GL. “A Visit to Grandmother” explores an estranged relationship between mother and son and highlights how unvoiced emotions and pent-up conflict can ultimately result in long-lasting estrangement between family members.

This guide refers to the paperback version of Dancers on the Shore , published by Howard University Press in 1984.

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The story opens with the moment Chig and his father, Dr. Charles Dunford, arrive at Chig’s grandmother Eva’s house, and Chig notices a shift in his father’s demeanor. Charles’s expression changes into “something new and almost ugly” when he greets her (53), which contradicts his usual compassionate and kind-hearted behavior.

The story then shifts to 10 days before their visit, when Charles unexpectedly invited Chig on a trip to Nashville for his college reunion. Charles suggested visiting Chig’s grandmother after the reunion ended, and they drove farther south to her house. Chig suspected that the reunion was simply an excuse his father had given to visit his grandmother. His father had always been secretive about his family, only ever discussing his younger brother, GL, whom he described as a scam artist, a charming ladies’ man, and a playful troublemaker.

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When Chig and Charles arrive, Eva Dunford is sitting in the living room. At first, Eva mistakes Charles for his brother, Hiram, and doubts he came to visit her: “Charles wouldn’t never send my grandson to see me. I never even hear from Charles” (54). Rose, GL’s wife, confirms that it is indeed Charles and his son, and Eva is overjoyed to see them both. Eva gives Charles a heartfelt hug, which prompts his unusual and disturbing change in expression.

Eva, Chig, and Charles sit down to talk while Rose makes dinner. While Chig eagerly tells his grandmother about himself, his father grows increasingly withdrawn. Chig’s uncle, Hiram, and his wife, Mae, join the family at the dinner table, and they begin recounting stories “as it had been thirty years before” (57). The family begins to discuss Charles’s brother, GL Dunford , who is not present.

Eva details a time when GL traded an old chair for an allegedly half-Arab, half-Indian horse. Despite Eva’s warnings, GL kept the horse , unable to return it to its seller, and tried to convince her to go for a ride in a white family’s buggy that his father was fixing up. Eva’s initial hesitation did not stop GL from assuring his mother that the horse was tame, and he ultimately rode along with her through the center of town.

As they rode into the woods, the horse suddenly started to gallop, causing GL to lose control. After GL pleaded for his mother’s help, Eva promptly stood up, jumped onto the horse’s back, and stopped it. She explains away this feat, saying “Don’t ask me how I did that; I reckon it was that I was a mother and my baby asked me to do something, is all” (61).

When asked about the incident, Charles reminds his mother he was already living in Knoxville at the time and only remembered reading about it in a letter she had sent him. Charles voices his disapproval of the horse’s acquisition and notes that she would have punished him if he had been the one to bring it home. Charles appears frustrated that his mother would allow such behavior from GL but not from him and that she would find the incident humorous. He tries to hold back but eventually confesses to feeling neglected by his mother, who in his mind always favored GL: “Nobody loved me, Mama. I cried all the way up to Knoxville. That was the last time I ever cried in my life” (62). His mother tries to console him, but Charles stops her, stating that it’s too late.

Eva assures Charles she did all that was needed to ensure her children’s safety. Although she assures Charles she loved all her children equally, Eva admits to devoting more attention to GL since she saw him as the more troubled child. Charles accuses his mother of favoring his brother due to his lighter complexion: “You know it. GL was light-skinned and had good hair and looked almost white and you loved him for that” (63), after which he gets up from the table in tears and storms to his room. At this moment, GL unknowingly enters the home and calls for Charles: “Say now! Man! I heard my brother was in town. Where he at? Where that rascal?” (63). GL smiles while he stands in the doorway, thrilled at the chance to reunite with his beloved brother.

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22 Baby Things to Keep at Grandma's House

While taking your baby for visits to their grandparents’ house is one of the best things ever (think: cuddles for them and a potential nap for you) the business of actually getting there can seem damn near impossible. There are a few things to keep at grandma’s house that will make your life much easier.

Things to keep at the grandma’s house that will make traveling there easier:

1. Portable Crib Playard

If like me, you have ever forgotten to bring some kind of sleeping receptacle with you for an overnight stay with your baby, you know that IT IS A NIGHTMARE. After doing this only once, I decided it was well worth it to find something that I could leave at my parents so my baby would always have a safe place to sleep when we came to visit. Pack ‘N Plays are great because they can easily fold up to be stored away when not in use. If money’s not an issue, splurge on the Breeze Plus by 4moms  that’s super-easy to set up and comes with a bassinet and change pad!

After trying to do the math on how many diapers to pack for a weeklong visit to grandma and grandpa’s, I decided that estimating would be far too dangerous a risk to take, bought a box and left the whole thing there. You could also just order a box and have it sent directly to their house, making it one of the easiest things to keep at grandma’s house.

Try wiping your baby’s butt with toilet paper once and you will quickly realize why these bad boys were invented. Buy a box and stash a package in every room at the grandparents’ house, and put a couple in their car, just to be safe. I love Coterie wipes because they 100% plant-based with 99% water so you're not tossing polyester into the garbage.

4. Change Pad

Anyone who has ever changed an infant knows that their diapers are never to be trusted. These easy change pads can be used just about anywhere and keep anything underneath safe from the blowout. Get this one by Kushies on Amazon.

If you’ve ever had the fun experience of chasing your baby around grandma’s living room to prevent all of her breakables from being destroyed, you’ll have a good idea why a Playard made this list. A Playard is also awesome if grandma’s house hasn’t yet been baby-proofed, or you want to give your little one a safe place to play outdoors. Check out this one by Summer Infant . A Pack n’ Play also works great for smaller kids!

6. Car Seat

If you want to avoid the pain in the ass process of uninstalling/installing/uninstalling and installing a car seat AGAIN, you may want to consider buying a second car seat, or, at the very least, a second car seat base if you're using an infant seat. If you only want to buy one seat, the Britax Boulevard is amazing because it's super easy to install and can be used for newborns up to 65 lbs (which is a good sized 6 year old). This would be a good choice if you want to just pop this out of your car and into Grandma's. The downside is it's a little heavy and pricey. If you only need to install it once and are looking for something a little more wallet-friendly to keep in Grandma's car permanently, the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is a steal. At 10lbs, it's bananas light (the Boulevard is closer to 30lbs) and it's under $60. It can be a little fiddly to install but it's a great safe seat.

7. Stroller

If you don't want to haul your stroller around with you, keeping one at Grandma and Grandpa's house isn't a bad idea. For a lightweight, nimble, reasonably priced stroller, I decided on the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single Stroller. I wanted something with a good recline (hello, naps), compact fold and a smooth ride and this one checks all the boxes.

8. Jumperoo or Exersaucer

A jumperoo or exersaucer is a great alternative to the Playard mentioned above, especially if you just don’t have the space. My daughter had a ton of fun playing in the exersaucer that my parents picked up at a garage sale for under $25. We loved having a source of entertainment that would keep her in one place whether we were making dinner in the kitchen or watching her brother play outside. If you want something a little less bulky, check out the Fisher-Price Baby 3-In-1 Spin & Sort Activity Center. It's very nible and converts to a toddler table once you're out of the baby year.

9. Baby Gate

If you’ve got a baby on the move, baby gates are one of the most important things to keep at grandma’s house. Pressure-mounted gates can be moved around and won’t leave holes in the walls, but remember that they aren’t strong enough for the tops of stairs. This gate by Regalo is great because it can either be pressure mounted or hardware mounted, depending on where you need to put it. Extensions can also be purchased to accommodate wider door frames. Be sure to also check out Baby Proofing Checklist - 40 Ways to Make Your Space Safe to see if there are any other spots that need securing.

10. Baby Bouncer

A baby bouncer can be a lifesaver if your baby isn’t crawling yet. People are always looking to sell bouncers their babies have outgrown, so check garage sales or online marketplaces if you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind buying second-hand. Target also has a nice selection of inexpensive ones and Amazon is also a great spot to track a cheap one down.

11. Thermometer

Nothing is worse than running out to the pharmacy to get a thermometer when you suspect your baby might have a fever. There are many different models to choose from, but even a cheap and simple armpit thermometer is nice to have on hand when your baby feels a little too warm for comfort. I like forehead and ear thermometer like this one from Braun and you can find it on Amazon and at Target .

12. Bottles

Find a bottle your baby will take and make sure you have at least two million stored at Grandma and Grandpa’s because this may just be your chance to sneak away for some alone time or, better still, a nap. The one shown here is from Comotomo.

Bibs are one of those things that you never seem to think about bringing along until it’s too late. Sure, you could try to create some kind of makeshift bib for your baby and attempt to fasten it to them as they’re throwing handfuls of spaghetti across the room, but keeping a stash handy is probably a lot easier. I love these ones by Bumkins because they are waterproof and easy to rinse off.   You can find them on Amazon.

While kids aren’t especially picky about their tableware, it’s nice to have some breakproof bowls on hand for when they inevitably get knocked to the floor. These ones from Munchkin are inexpensive and have a suction base to have them stay put. I found them on Amazon.

Little mouths need little spoons, and plastic ones that don’t burn mouths are even better. Munchkin makes some awesome spoons that change color when the food is too hot, so anyone can help you out with dinnertime duty. Get the Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons on Amazon.

16. High chair

Make sure you’ve got some kind of high chair handy when visiting grandma’s, whether it’s a cheap upright one or a compact one that takes up next to no space when it’s stored away. We love the Lobster chair from Phil and Ted – it’s survived 3 years with our toddler and is now on year 2 with our baby. We take it everywhere! You can find this one on Amazon. You can also check out 16 Alternatives to a Traditional High Chair for other options.

17. Bubble Bath

It's nice to have some kind of gentle cleaning stuff on hand to deal with spit ups and blowouts. Any unscented soap will do but Tubby Todd is always a great pick.

18. Bath Sling

While we’re on the subject of bath time, a bath sling isn’t a bad idea, especially where little babies are concerned. Keep baby safely positioned, whether bath time takes place in the sink or the tub. This Summer Baby Bather Folding Bath Sling can be easily tucked away between visits.

19. White Noise Machine

Falling asleep in a new environment can be tricky for babies (and adults, if we’re being honest). I found having something familiar, like a white noise machine, helped maintain the sleep routine we follow at home. This portable LectroFan Micro delivers a ton of rich sound in a very small package. I take it with me when I travel – it's amazing. If you're going to be out of hearing range, an inexpensive monitor might be helpful too. Check out Best Baby Monitor Buying Guide (and What to Avoid) for some tips and ideas.  

Much like diapers, you can never have too many snacks. I liked having a variety of food handy that I felt comfortable letting anyone feed my baby. Dissolvable, easy-to-swallow treats like these Gerber Puffs are great to keep in the cupboard and do double duty by both tiding babies over until her next meal and keeping them entertained. This is also a great time to chat about choking hazards and infant CPR .

21. Extra clothes

If you’re leaving your baby with grandma or grandpa for a visit on their own, a general rule of thumb is 67 extra outfits per hour they will be staying. Just kidding. But bring extra clothes because diaper blowouts, spit up and food and milk spills are more than guaranteed.

22. Toys and Books

This is probably fairly obvious, but having a decent selection of toys and books hidden away at your baby’s grandparents’ house is always a good idea. You could even get a book subscription delivered to her house so there's always something new and age appropriate waiting for you.

To Sum Up Gear for Grandma's House

I think it goes without saying that you don’t need all (or any) of this gear at Grandma’s, but I wanted to suggest some possibilities – especially if Grandma and Grandpa are chomping at the bit to outfit their home. What do you think? Is there anything I’ve missed that you can’t live without for a visit to your baby’s grandparents? I’d love to hear them in the comments! Our next reco: Best Baby Travel Products for Visiting Family

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Travelling To Grandmother’s House: An Unforgettable Journey

My childhood at my grandma’s house was from a simpler time, that makes me yearn for it again, especially in light of the current situation.

Blaring train horns never sounded this beautiful. Whenever I woke up to this sound I felt happy, even if I had gone to sleep in a different frame of mind.  It meant I wasn’t alone. This meant delicious smells would soon emerge from the kitchen that would make me happier. It meant that I was back in that tiny, one-bedroom house where one person opened her arms wide open only to make me feel at home. It meant that I was at my grandmother’s house. 

I held Ammama’s pallu and tagged along everywhere she went. I slept wrapped up in her arms like I was the most precious gift. Even today my friends envy me for my ability to close my eyes and drift off to sleep, while it’s a struggle for the rest. I credit this to Ammama for giving me a headstart on peaceful and cozy nights at a young age. 

Sleep doesn’t come easily anymore. At the beginning of the lockdown, it seemed like my body was designed for it. Ending days at 3 am and starting them at noon was fun for a while, and then quickly got excessive. I was a 24-year-old in her parents’ house. My 24-year-old sleepless friends were stuck in an apartment, busying themselves with conquering the world, when all they wanted was to go home. We all are struggling. Some of us trying to close our eyes. Others trying to keep them open. Through it all, the past stands as rock-solid support, while the future lies uncertain. 

The train to happiness was called Janmabhoomi Express. It took me from bustling Hyderabad to the calm beach city of Vishakapatnam. Whenever I was asked to choose between “beach or mountain”, I would confidently say, “beach”, because my childhood flowed by it. It would take an excruciating 12 hours to reach the destination. The steam from boiled peanuts and ginger tea on the train kept my impatience at bay.

When I arrived, the first thing I would see was a sari-clad, ever-smiling, beautiful woman who I called Ammama (grandmother). Her warmth ignited love in everyone who shared a simple conversation with her. While my grandfather was an unsocial man who rarely talked to his family, my grandmother had a completely different family, people who lived down the street. They offered so much love in such different forms and made so many memories that sometimes they gave more than her daughters and son could offer. There was so much love around her, that it sneaked into me too. 

Grandma’s house is my safe place, where even if harm came my way, I knew it was short-lived.  My uncle would sneak us out at dawn to go to Rishikonda Beach and watch the sunrise light up the skies and my eyes. One of the best beaches in the world, if you ask me. But I may be biased. The waves glistened like stars in the sky but I was not allowed to get wet because Ammama would find out. So it was our secret. We would then eat idli with ginger chutney at one of the many roadside stalls, a Vizag speciality.  Afterward, we would sneak back in and have another breakfast at home because missing meals or eating small portions of food was not allowed in Grandma’s house. 

Also Read: Beach destinations in India to visit other than Goa

Our mental state of mind is currently perhaps a bit delicate. Some of us are just okay, the rest are barely able to keep it together. We lie about waking up and having something to do. We try to keep buys by developing hobbies that last as long as our Instagram stories and reconnecting with friends who we never had a connection with. 

Through it all, Grandma’s house seems further away than it really is. Along with the house, hope seems to be so far away, almost impossible to reach. I also associate the house with the worst memory of my life—my grandfather’s funeral. On that day, Ammama fell on his lifeless body and cried. As she appeared weak to the world I saw the strength in her to love. I saw Ammama crumble and collect herself. Her heart, much like our living room, welcomes anyone who knocks on the door. As she bid goodbye to everyone who attended the funeral with a tired but genuine smile on her face I realised love is what all the poets tell us—painful, traumatic, and possibly the worst thing ever.

But despite it all, it is also as beautiful as Ammama’s everlasting smile in the darkest of times. This is the love and the hope I will cling on to right now, and when this is over I will open my doors too. If I had known that going to grandma’s house was not an option, I’d have visited more often. I would have made more memories, so I could now call Ammama and talk about them. I would have held her pallu tighter and never let go. But those days are special memories to treasure, buried in my brain to be retrieved in times like these and be my anchor in a stormy sea. One can always fall back on these anchors called childhood whenever the waves start testing you.

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10 Amazing Grandma and Granddaughter Activities To Create Lifelong Memories

• Grandparent's Day

A Visit to Grandma’s House

Baking cookies and cake with grandma, doing arts and crafts together, making a playhouse, looking at old photos, going on a nature walk, playing board games, taking pictures at grandma’s house, going shopping together, final thoughts.

Grandchildren are the ultimate source of joy for grandparents, but how can you make memories that will last a lifetime?

The best part about grandma and granddaughter activities is that they create lifelong memories! There is so much fun to be had while visiting with your grandkids that it can be hard to choose just one activity to be a priority.

Whether you’re trying to find a fun activity for the holidays, looking for a great activity for Mother’s Day , or wanting some ideas to keep the kids busy during summer vacation , these 10 amazing grandma and granddaughter activities will make your time spent together memorable for years to come.

Grandparent’s Day

Grandparent’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special bond between grandma and her granddaughter. Make it extra special by turning it into a big birthday party, complete with balloons, cake, and presents for both of them!

Kids love birthday parties – why not turn Grandparent’s Day into one too? You’ll create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Maybe you could decorate the room together, stick up some festive banners or set out homemade cupcakes on pretty plates.

For those who are crafty-minded, there are lots of homemade decorations you can make in advance, including personalized cards and scrapbooks to help capture moments from this lovely day.

And of course, there’s always the chance to take some adorable photos as lasting reminders!

Plus, having celebrations for grandparents allows both grandma and grandchild to spend meaningful time together that might otherwise be taken up with chores or homework. So why not seize the moment and celebrate like royalty?

A visit to Grandma’s house is truly a magical experience, inside a special space of nostalgia and bonding. Playing with dolls, drawing pictures, or giggling over silly jokes, can create precious memories for granddaughters that will last forever.

And Grandma has so much wisdom to share! From lessons about life experiences to family history, it can be an inspiring journey to hear her stories as she offers family traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

It’s moments like these that make going to Grandma’s house extra special – something that will be remembered forever.

Making memories with Grandma can be sweet as pie! Baking cookies and cakes together is a fantastic way for Grandma to share her secrets and recipes with her granddaughters.

It’s the perfect chance for Grandma to show them how to measure, mix, and bake the ideal yummy treat. Plus, she can teach them all about decorating their creations with colorful icing and edible sprinkles.

It’s not just a great learning experience but also a fun-filled, memorable experience! Even better – they get to enjoy eating it when it comes out of the oven.

Doing arts and crafts together is a fantastic way for Grandma and her granddaughter to bond. It’s the perfect avenue to share Grandma’s unique crafting skills with her grandkids.

From paper dolls, jewelry, and even scrapbooks – it’s an opportunity for a grandmother to inspire and move generations with her creative gifts.

With fabric, yarn, or beads, a grandchild can learn how to make wonderful surprise gifts that will be cherished from generation to generation! What a great way for Grandma to remind her grandkids of their memories together for life!

Making a playhouse with Grandma is the perfect way to build lasting memories between generations. You don’t need any fancy tools — just some creativity, cardboard boxes and couch cushions!

It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, there will always be room for fun. Throw in some markers, paints or crayons and create a colorful facade to your playhouse.

Add a mini-garden outside the front door for extra fun and decoration — even tiny flowers behind the windows will do!

Make sure to keep it simple; after all, imagination is what makes any playhouse come alive. With Grandma’s help, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation that’s more special than anything from the store!

Some of the most memorable moments of our lives aren’t necessarily specific moments, but rather a general memory of “oh yeah! Do you remember when we would go to Grandma’s house and we would always make the most interesting forts and playhouses?”

Peeking through Grandma’s photo album is a fun way to explore the family history! It’s more than flips of paper and dusty images, it’s a powerful connection: creating lasting memories between generations.

Grandma can share her life stories with her granddaughter, helping her understand the foundations of their family. Time travel back in time with photos of when Grandma was younger or ancestors who have passed away. Discover special occasions and relive relatives’ weddings, birthdays, graduations and so much more!

It’s not only super fun but will also help Granddaughter grow closer to grandma and gain insight into the amazingness of their collective past.

Exploring nature together is a wonderful way for Grandma and her grandkids to share quality time, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

Grandma can show them different flowers and birds, tell exciting stories about nature, and educate them on the importance of protecting our planet.

The wonders of the natural world are endless – trees singing with chirping birds, spectacular sunsets or star-filled night skies.

It’s a great chance to challenge little minds as Grandma teaches them about how plants grow, how animals survive in their habitats, and how everything works in harmony together.

By connecting with nature together they can make memorable experiences that can last a lifetime!

Board games are an amazing way for Grandma and her grandkids to connect, while still having tons of fun! After all, what better activity to keep grandparents and grandkids engaged than a good old-fashioned board game?

Plus, board games also provide Grandma with the perfect chance to teach her grandchildren her wisdom – from strategy tips to problem-solving skills. And when it comes time for silly conversations, there’s plenty of that too!

Simply being together around the board game table can create laughter and sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re playing a classic like chess or Monopoly or trying something new every time – playing board games with Grandma is sure to be both enriching and entertaining.

Taking pictures at Grandma’s house is an awesome way to make lasting memories. It’s fun for the grandkids, and it’s the perfect chance for Grandma to snag special moments with her beautiful granddaughters.

Grandma can teach them how to operate the camera, letting them shoot photos of each other and all ’round their vicinity. Plus, she can compile these photos into sweet scrapbooks so the memories remain alive always!

Going shopping together is a wonderful bonding experience for Grandma and her grandkids! Grandma can show them how to be savvy shoppers, compare prices, and look for deals. There’s also the added benefit of passing down her fashion sense – picking out wardrobe staples that are stylish yet affordable.

My favorite memories with my grandmother are the times we would go shopping together at Burdines. With its wide selection of clothes, it was like a dream come true! I’ll never forget those days browsing through the store with her by my side.

Grandma and granddaughter activities are a dream come true! From fun-filled playhouses to delightful nature walks, these adventures will create priceless memories. Not to mention, you don’t need anything fancy or expensive to make these moments happen—just some extra love and attention from Grandma!

Plus, when young ones are having fun with Grandma it’s an opportunity for her to share her wisdom and knowledge with her grandkids. Overall, engaging in grandma and granddaughter activities is worth the effort every time. So go ahead and schedule some quality time with your kiddo that will be remembered forever.

Laura Phelps

Laura is the force behind Gathered Again, transforming family gatherings into unforgettable memories with expert tips and a heart full of passion. Join her mission to celebrate the magic of family connections, one event at a time.

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13 Things Every Grandparent Needs at Their House

There’s no doubt there will be more than a few trips to grandma’s house in your future. But the thought of lugging all of your little one’s baby gear to and fro is enough to bring any kind of travel plans to a screeching halt. That’s why it's a good idea to make sure grandparents have most of what they need at their house.

And no — it doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. Picking up gently used baby products is a great way to stock all of the things every grandpa and grandma needs when their new grandbaby comes to visit.

But what exactly does a new grandma need? Our gear experts say these are the top baby items that will not only make your own life with a little one easier, but the lives of everyone else who is involved in your kiddo's world. 

1. Portable Playard or Pack ‘N Play 

Your little one can’t very well spend the night — or even take a nap — at their grandparent’s house without a safe place to rest their head. A playard, which is a type of portable crib, is a great option, because it can be set up and collapsed in just a few seconds, saving precious floor space in their home when their grandbaby isn’t in residence. Many pack ‘n plays also come with various attachments — a bassinet or a changing table, for example — that can add to their versatility during your trip.

Our Picks : 

• 4Moms Breeze Playard
• Graco Pack N Play

2. Clip-On High Chair 

Even the most compact full-size high chairs take up a lot of space when in use. And even the ones that fold up for storage are relatively bulky items to store. A clip-on high chair is a great alternative, because most of them fold flat into a carry bag that’s small enough to fit in a diaper bag. These chairs generally feature two clamps that attach to a dining table or kitchen island, leaving your little one safely suspended in the air. Another bonus to these high chairs? You’ll be glad to have the clip-on style if the family plans to dine out while you’re visiting — they’re super convenient for restaurants.

• Inglesina Fast Table
• Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-on High Chair

3. Safe Seat for Lounging

Babies just want to have fun, and you and your parents just want to put them down sometimes to say, eat a sandwich. While at your own house there are probably tons of safe spaces to rest little bodies, it's different when they stay at the new grandparent’s house. A collapsible bouncer is a fantastic option, since some of them fold entirely flat for storage.

• Baby Bjorn Bouncer
• Munchkin Bluetooth-Enabled Baby Swing

4. Baby Carrier

A new baby isn’t big enough to ride in a standard stroller, so a soft or structured baby carrier is a great option for times when you — or the new grandparents — are headed out of the house for a walk, errands or good old fashioned family fun. They’re lightweight, adjustable to most bodies and easy to stash when not in use.

• Lillebaby carrier
• Ergobaby Omni 360 Cotton Baby Carrier

5. Small, Lightweight Stroller

Unless your little one’s grandparents are regular caregivers, you don’t need to keep a fancy, feature-filled stroller at their house. Something simple and lightweight — like an umbrella stroller — is much more practical, since it can be stored when the baby is gone.

• UPPAbaby G-Luxe
• Summer Infant 3D Lite

6. Car Seat

Rather than purchase an infant car seat for grandma and grandpa’s house, opt for a convertible car seat instead. This way, your little one will have a safe seat during both their infant and toddler years. Just make sure the expiration date is a few years in the future to ensure you get the most use out of the seat.

• Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
• Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

7. Baby Monitor

Even video baby monitors have a lot of wires that can tangle during transit. Plus, it can be a pain to sync your camera to their internet when you arrive — and then back to your own once you’re home again. Instead of run into these dilemmas, stock a simple and inexpensive option at grandma’s house.

• VTECH Video Baby Monitor
• Motorola VM75 Video Baby Monitor

8. Baby Gates

You may not be able to swoop in and babyproof their entire house, but a set of tension gates can help ease your nerves around stairs — especially if you have a new and curious crawler or walker on your hands. They’re also a great way to make sure older toddlers who are no longer sleeping in cribs stay in whatever room they’re sleeping in.

• Baby Delight Go With Me Expandable Folding Gate
• Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Baby Gate

9. White Noise Machine

Your little one may not be used to all of the ambient sounds at their grandparent’s house, and a white noise machine can help drown all of that out. Not to to mention, on weekends when the whole house is full, it’ll prevent idle chatter from waking up your kiddo.

• Marpac Dohm Sound Machine

10. Portable Bath

For something that holds such a small baby, infant tubs are incredibly bulky and hard to store. Thankfully, there are some much more compact options on the market today that can make bath time possible on the go — some even fold flat; other inflate and deflate in seconds.

• Stokke Flexi
• Boon Puff+ Inflatable Bather

11. Feeding Gear

Why pack a bag full of bottles and bibs when you can buy a few to keep at grandma’s house? The same goes for plates, utensils and baby-safe cups for older babies eating solid foods and beverages other than formula or mom’s milk. Breastfeeding moms may also want to buy some extra milk bags or even an inflatable boppy pillow for convenience.

• Avent Natural Bottles
• Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

12. Changing Pad

Grandma and grandpa probably don’t want you changing poopy diapers on their couch or carpet. That’s where a portable changing pad comes in handy. Many are small fabric squares that fit into included carry bags and wipe clean easily. (Some are even machine-washable.)

• Little Fox Portable Changing Pad
• Skip Hop Fold Up Changing Pad

Chances are the new grandparents can spare a drawer somewhere for some play things for baby. During the first year, some rattles, small balls and soft blocks are a great option. Later, look for things like Magna-Tiles, small dolls and puzzles — all highly-engaging toys that can be played with up and off the floor (great for older grandparents with mobility issues).

• Magna-Tiles
• Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles

Should Grandparents Have a Nursery at Their House? 

Your parents and in-laws undoubtedly want to create a safe, comfortable spot for their new grandchild to sleep when they’re visiting, but not everyone has the space or the budget to create a dedicated nursery at their house. Don’t sweat it if you fall into this camp. A portable crib or playard is a perfectly good option for a baby or toddler. And you can easily make the space even more cozy with a few add-ons like a sound machine or even a SlumberPod to block out any light. Of course, if you want to set up and decorate a nursery , go for it.

Who Should Buy the Gear for Grandma’s House? 

If new parents want the convenience of having their child’s grandparent’s house fully stocked with baby gear, they should be open to the idea of paying for it. That said, this kind of thing is family dependent. In some cases, grandparents are financially stable enough to offer to spring for the gear — and more than happy to do so. In other cases, grandma and grandpa may not have the financial means to cover the costs associated with a second set of baby products. Have a candid conversation with your parents or in-laws to see what everyone is comfortable with.

And don’t forget: The best way to keep it manageable for all is to shop secondhand. There’s plenty of high-quality, gently-used baby gear out there just waiting for a new home, and in many cases, you can score whatever you’re looking for at hefty discounts — some to the tune of 50 percent or more.

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A Family of Foxes Regularly Visits Grandma’s House to Play and Spread Happiness

A baby fox showed up to say hi at my grandmother's house by u/Vechrotex in aww

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To Grandma’s House We Go … Memories of Christmases Past

• November 18, 2021
• 25 Comments

Over the river, and through the wood, to Grandmother’s house we go …

I’m 59 years old today.

How do you like them apples?

The countdown to 60 is on.

This post includes affiliate links for your convenience at no additional cost to you. You can read   my full disclosure policy here .

In other news, my holiday doormat arrived.

Many of you have already decked the halls.

I enjoy watching it all unfold on your blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram’s.

A couple of weeks ago I shared my holiday prep to-do list .

I’m pleased to report … mission accomplished.

It’s done.

And an even bigger thrill … everything on the grand-nieces and nephews gift lists was procured without delay.

Wow, I’m feeling lucky.

It’s all over but the wrapping.

And the decorating.

I still need to decorate.

But that won’t happen until after Thanksgiving .

And, because we’re not hosting, we’re guesting … I have a little lull in the action.

So, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

No matter how old I get memories of my childhood Christmases at my grandmother’s never fade.

(Although I have no idea what I did yesterday.)

After Thanksgiving, I counted the days until Christmas vacation.

The first day of school break, my parents loaded up the Country Squire.

Me, my sister, our dog, and sometimes our cat.

A big Coleman thermos filled with water, a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and a ton of suitcases and gifts.

And we were off for the 12-hour drive to Grandma’s house.

A drive that easily stretched to 14-hours with pit stops.

Much to my father’s chagrin.

Are we there yet?

By early evening, we pulled up to Grandma’s house.

Her Christmas lights were up, tree decorated and a sea of presents spilled out underneath.

A pot of chili bubbling away on the stove.

And a buffet covered with a beautifully presented assortment of Christmas cookies.

Baked by Grandma and her friends awaited us.

We were happily ensconced in Grandma’s house once again.

Ready to begin two fun filled weeks with everything Christmas can and should be.

We were a Christmas Eve family.

Christmas Eve was our main event.

We piled into cars packed with gifts and headed across town to my aunt’s house.

After depositing the gifts under my aunt’s chicly decorated tree,

the grown-ups went across the street to a neighbor’s Christmas Eve cocktail party.

My sister and I waited, impatiently, for their return.

Speaking of cocktail parties, how about a couple of holiday cocktail ideas …

Cranberry Tequila Punch is fun and festive for a group.

Cranberry-Tequila Punch

And the always elegant Raspberry Kir Royale .

Raspberry Kir Royale

When the adults returned, we sat down for dinner and then … the gifts.

They took hours to open.

One at a time.

We finished in the early hours of the morning and headed back to Grandma’s.

Sugar plumb fairies danced in our heads as we slept waited for Santa.

On Christmas morning we were up at the crack of dawn sneaking downstairs to see if Santa had come

… and if he and his reindeer ate Grandma’s cookies.

Then we sat down to a breakfast of Swedish pancakes and little pigs (link sausages).

Last year I set our Christmas morning breakfast table with my mother’s Waechterbach dishes.

Gifted to her over the years by my grandmother and handed down to me.

Later in the day, my aunt and her family arrived and a traditional turkey dinner, made by Grandma, was served promptly at 4:00pm.

Last year was our first Christmas at Snowberry and I look forward to making many Christmas memories here.

Although nothing can touch those magical Christmases at Grandma’s house.

So, there you have it, a walk down memory lane

And snowberry’s first christmas wrapped up in one neat package post..

I’ll be back after Thanksgiving with my second annual list of great gift ideas aka Snowberry Essentials

… and a quick tour of Snowberry’s minimalist holiday décor.

I just peeked at last year’s gift ideas and I’m not sure how I can improve on it.

But I like a challenge.

And, my simple holiday porch decor … and more !

In the meantime, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

I’m so grateful to you for taking the time to be here and supporting my little blog.

It means the world to me.

And I appreciate you.

As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheers from Snowberry!

All photos in this post are taken by Monica Vargas Photography.

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I so much enjoyed reading your memories of going to your grandmother’s house at Christmas.

Happy Birthday Juliet! Your christmas memories Sound so fun!

Happy Birthday my Friend. Hope its a wonderful day a d an adv coasting all the way into 60! I could just vision the trip to Grandmas house. Such lovely me.

A very happy birthday to you. I loved this post. You brought back so many memories of christmases past at my grandmother’s house. Can’t wait to see how you decorate this year. Happy thanksgiving.

Happy belated birthday! i hope you had a marvelous day! I love Kir Royals! one of my favorite drinks! loved this post!

Happy Birthday! Loved your blog-as always! Happy Thanksgiving!

What sweet memories! I loved reading this! I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!

I enjoyed your Christmas memories. I change my everyday dishes to my Waechterbach on December 1st and enjoy them all month long. My mother started gifting them to me and now I have service for 12!

Christmas at your grandma’s house sounds so lovely. What nice memories to carry throughout the years. <3 Your cranberry tequila recipe looks wonderful!

WE TOO were a DEC 24th FAMILY! THE BEST………….as the day got closer I would COUNT how many for me Dad and MOM!Maybe on the 23rd I could open JUST ONE!Then SANTA came over night and it was ALWAYS A BIGGY. A BICYCLE, or make believe cooking set……….which came in a BIG RED PLASTIC BAG which I STILL HAVE TODAY!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLFRIEND!!! 59……….ENJOY IT! CHANGES ARE ON THE HORIZON!!!!!!!!!!!! I just lost half an eyebrow!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOX

Happy Birthday! This was a fun post to read about family memoreis. You always have great cocktails too.

Happy birthday my sweet friend!!!! i was a lucky kid because we got gifts twice, on the 25th and three kings day. I loved getting the grass and water ready and under the bed for the camels! it felt good to help out. maybe that is why i want a farm so badly now! lol!

HI JULIET HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE THIS POST AND THE MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS EVES PAST! WE ARE HOSTING THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR!

Happy Birthday Juliet! I hope you’re having a fun birthday weekend. I loved this little story of your traditions. Did you grow up in California? Where was your grandma at? We also went to my grandma’s for Christmas and my memories are of her beautiful flocked white tree, Nat King Cole playing on her record player and some cool lights that bubbled on her tree. She also made cookies with us, which I loved so much. I loved seeing your red tree plates whiich my grandma had too! I don’t have too much done yet, but I’m slowly chipping away at things. I am trying to enjoy this Thanksgiving week a little before the holiday muzak hits us full-on! Always ,love your ideas and may do a little shopping here. x Kim

Hi Kim, I loved reading about your holidays at Grandma’s. It sounds so lovely! How fun to have a big family to celebrate with. We were just the five of us, every year. Opened gifts from godparents and friends Christmas eve, and from Santa on Christmas morning, after we ate breakfast in my parent’s bedroom. I BELIEVE Family traditions have a special place in our hearts and memories! I hope you had a lovely birthday, looking forward to CELEBRATING with you soon. Xo Heidi

I Have no idea why I wrote Kim. I know it’s you Juliet. Sorry about that. Duh. Heidi

Loved reading Your ChRistmas memories. They are so similar to miNe At my grandma’s house…CHRISTMAS eve presents, dinner the next day at noon. My family is very german, immigrated to Calif in 1963. many christmas traditions are So universal, it’s very touching. Enjoy your thanksgiving!

Happy birthday, Juliet! You look fabulous, and in your case, age is obviously just a number. I loved reading your Christmas memories.

JULIET, I AM SO SORRY I MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY! HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I HOPE it was a wonderful celebration of you! I love this post, it is fun to read peoples gift guids and recipes but the posts that I love the most are when people share their memories, traditions and life. My happiest memories are spent with my grandparents. Thank you for sharing your special times. Have a great week and a happy thanksgiving. Travel safe.

Happy birthday Juliet!!! Hope this year is your best yet!! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Have a wonderful thanksgiving! Xx

Thank you so much, PEN … wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season! xo

Juliet – I love this – thank you so much for sharing! Wow I used to think our four hour drive to Grandma’s house was long enough. Your Grandma sounds amazing and all the festivities you enjoyed. a picture perfect christmas!

I forgot to mention one thing…you are 59 years old??? I thought you were in your 40’s. looking gorgeous!

You are too sweet, Crystal xoxo

Happy belated birthday! The cocktail recipes you shared sure do look refreshing. Your trip down memory lane has me thinking about my own holiday memories…thanks or sharing!

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Mother. Mentor. WH resident. Tributes for Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama

On Nov. 4, 2008, as soon-to-be president Barack Obama watched the tally of electoral college votes come in, his mother-in-law Marian Robinson clasped his hand.

"There was a sense of emotion that I could see in people's faces and in my mother-in-law's face," Obama recalled in a post-election interview on CBS' "60 Minutes." "And you had this sense of, well, what's she thinking?"

After Robinson's death on Friday , daughter Michelle Obama, son-in-law Barack Obama, and other family members paid tribute to an extraordinary woman who was perhaps best known by the nation for helping the Obama family at the White House as they cared for their young daughters, Sasha and Malia.

"My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed," Michelle Obama said on the social media platform X. "She was the same steady backstop for our entire family."

Robinson, who kept a low profile in a residence with the brightest of spotlights, died on Friday. She was 86.

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Robinson's thoughts at her son-in-law's election to the presidency were later revealed by her daughter, Michelle Obama in her memoir, "Becoming" published more than a decade after that historic night in Chicago.

"Never one to overemote, my mom just gave him a sideways look and shrugged, causing them both to smile," the former first lady writes.

She said her mother described to her "how overcome she’d felt right then, struck just as I’d been by his vulnerability. America had come to see Barack as self-assured and powerful, but my mother also recognized the gravity of the passage, the loneliness of the job ahead. Here was this man who no longer had a father or a mother, about to be elected the leader of the free world."

Robinson occasionally spoke to the press about her time in the White House. "You see, my job here is the easiest one of all: I just get to be Grandma," Robinson told Essence magazine in an interview published in 2012.

But Robinson would later tell CBS News anchor Gayle King in a rare interview that a mother's worry brought her to the nation's capital. "It's pretty difficult let face it. Because I felt like this was going to be a very hard life for both of them," Robinson told King. "I was worried about their safety and I was worried about my grandkids. That's what got me to move to D.C."

She told King she was reticent to speak out publicly while at the White House. "I figured if I didn't say anything, you couldn't say the wrong thing," Robinson said laughing. She said moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was a "huge adjustment."

"I talked them into letting me do my own laundry," Robinson said.

On Friday, her family lauded her reserved approach. "The trappings and glamour of the White House were never a great fit for Marian Robinson....Rather than hobnobbing with Oscar winners or Nobel laureates, she preferred spending her time upstairs with a TV tray, in the room outside her bedroom with big windows that looked out at the Washington Monument."

During her eight years at the White House, the family said she would often sneak outside the gates to buy greeting cards at nearby stores and sometimes other customers would recognize her, saying she resembled the first lady's mother.

"Oh, I get that a lot," she would smile and reply.

"There was and will be only one Marian Robinson," former President Obama said on X, formerly Twitter on Friday. "In our sadness we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example."

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who lived in the White House, dies at 86

FILE - Marian Robinson, mother of first lady Michelle Obama, center left, smiles as she boards Air Force One with President Barack Obama en route to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” a landmark event of the civil rights movement, from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., March 7, 2015. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - First lady Michelle Obama, left, and her mother Marian Robinson react as Ret. Navy Admiral John B. Nathman speaks to delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 6, 2012. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

FILE - Former first lady Michelle Obama’s mother Marian Robinson, center, arrives for a ceremony as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for the unveiling of their official White House portraits in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Sept. 7, 2022. Robinson, who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died, according to an announcement by Michelle Obama and other family members Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — On election night 2008, as Barack Obama sat nervously in a Chicago hotel suite and awaited news on whether he would become the country’s first Black president, his mother-in-law was by his side.

“Are you ready for this, Grandma?” Obama asked Marian Shields Robinson, who years earlier had doubted that he and her daughter, Michelle, would last.

Six months, tops, she had predicted.

“Never one to overemote, my mom just gave him a sideways look and shrugged, causing them both to smile,” Michelle Obama wrote in her memoir, “Becoming.” “Later, though, she’d describe to me how overcome she’d felt right then, struck just as I’d been by his vulnerability. America had come to see Barack as self-assured and powerful, but my mother also recognized the gravity of the passage, the loneliness of the job ahead.”

She continued: “The next time I looked over, I saw that she and Barack were holding hands.”

The union of Barack and Michelle Obama, the 20-something lawyers who met one summer while working at a Chicago law firm, endured and made history. In her own way, Mrs. Robinson would, too.

She died peacefully on Friday, the former first lady and her brother, Craig Robinson, and their families announced in a statement.

“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” they said. “In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.”

Besides being the mother of the nation’s first Black first lady, Mrs. Robinson was also unusual for being one of the few in-laws who lived at the White House with the president and his immediate family.

Until January 2009, Mrs. Robinson had lived her entire life in Chicago. She was a widow and in her early 70s when Obama was elected in 2008 and resisted the idea of starting over in Washington. President Obama said the family suggested she try Washington for three months before deciding. The first lady enlisted her brother to help persuade their mother to move.

“There were many good and valid reasons that Michelle raised with me, not the least of which was the opportunity to continue spending time with my granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, and to assist in giving them a sense of normalcy that is a priority for both of their parents, as has been from the time Barack began his political career,” Mrs. Robinson wrote in the foreword to “A Game of Character,” a memoir by her son, formerly the head men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University.

“My feeling, however, was that I could visit periodically without actually moving in and still be there for the girls,” she said.

Mrs. Robinson said her son understood why she wanted to stay in Chicago, but still used a line of reasoning on her that she would use on him and his sister. He asked her to think of the move as an opportunity to grow and try something new.

“As a compromise, I opted to move to the White House after all, at least temporarily, while still reserving lots of time to travel and maintain a certain amount of autonomy,” she wrote.

Granddaughters Malia and Sasha were just 10 and 7, respectively, when they started to call the executive mansion home in 2009 after their dad became president. In Chicago, Mrs. Robinson had become almost a surrogate parent to them during the presidential campaign. She retired from her job as a bank secretary to help shuttle them around.

At the White House, she was a reassuring presence, and her lack of Secret Service protection made it possible for her to accompany them to and from school daily without fanfare.

“I would not be who I am today without the steady hand and unconditional love of my mother, Marian Shields Robinson,” Michelle Obama wrote in her memoir. “She has always been my rock, allowing me the freedom to be who I am, while never allowing my feet to get too far off the ground. Her boundless love for my girls, and her willingness to put our needs before her own, gave me the comfort and confidence to venture out into the world knowing they were safe and cherished at home.”

Her White House life was not limited to caring for her granddaughters.

Mrs. Robinson enjoyed a level of anonymity that the president and first lady openly envied, allowing her to come and go from the White House as often as she pleased on shopping trips around town, to the president’s box at the Kennedy Center and to Las Vegas or to visit her other grandchildren in Portland, Oregon. She gave a few media interviews but never to White House press.

She attended some White House events, including concerts, the annual Easter Egg Roll and National Christmas Tree lighting, and was a guest at some state dinners.

White House residency also opened up the world to Mrs. Robinson, who had been widowed for nearly 20 years when she moved to a room on the third floor, one floor above the first family.

She had never traveled outside the U.S. until she moved to Washington, taking her first flight abroad on Air Force One in 2009 when the Obamas visited France. She joined them on a trip to Russia, Italy and Ghana later that year, during which she got to meet Pope Benedict, tour Rome’s ancient Colosseum and view a former slave-holding compound on the African coast.

She also accompanied her daughter and granddaughters on two overseas trips without the president to South Africa and Botswana in 2011, and China in 2014.

Craig Robinson wrote that he and his parents doubted whether his sister’s relationship with Obama would last, though Fraser Robinson III and his wife thought the young lawyer was a worthy suitor for their daughter, also a lawyer. Craig Robinson and his parents were sitting on the front porch of their Chicago home one hot summer night when Obama and his sister stopped by on their way to a movie.

Her parents exchanged knowing glances as soon as the couple departed. “Too bad,” Mrs. Robinson said. “Yep,” answered Fraser Robinson. “She’ll eat him alive.”

Craig Robinson wrote that his mother gave the relationship six months. Barack and Michelle Obama tied the knot on Oct. 3, 1992 and have been married for 31 years.

Marian Lois Shields Robinson was born in Chicago on July 30, 1937. She attended two years of teaching college, married in 1960 and, as a stay-at-home mom, stressed the importance of education to her children. Both were educated at Ivy League schools, each with a bachelor’s degree from Princeton. Michelle Obama also has a law degree from Harvard.

Fraser Robinson was a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department. He had multiple sclerosis and died in 1991.

Besides the Obama family, Mrs. Robinson is survived by her son, Craig, his wife, Kelly, and their children Avery, Austin, Aaron and Leslie.