I started this blog a couple years ago. Since then we have had many car washes and loads of experiences. We have also added a member. But this particular day is locked in my mind for the long haul. Finn is 7, Jonny is 4, Allie is almost 6 and Eloise is 18 months.

Boy did we have a week! I think my water bill is going to be incredibly high and I don’t even care!! Jon Hollis is 2 and he made it a full week away from home with no serious melt downs, which is absolutely amazing, so I figured if the hose made him happy, then the hose was on! Big brother was happy being outside driving the buggy, “working”, picking up sticks, singing to himself, working in the garage, eating CoCo’s famous bologna sandwiches, and running the car wash! Those boys would wash all the firetrucks, dump trucks, toys, and if your car sat long enough in one place long enough, they would wash your car, too! I asked them what the name of their car wash was and without any hesitation Finn says, “Freddy Von Schitz Car Wash”. He didn’t crack a smile or anything, but I did! I haven’t stopped laughing about it!! In fact, I would tell you, if you want your car done right, come to Freddy. Freddy Von Schitz!!

We had indoor racetracks with trackside entertainment! Jon and Finn were doing hot laps to Tequila “War” and running like fools! Allie came over and they swam and jumped off the diving board a million times, ate popsicles and at more bologna sandwiches! It was a great week! They didn’t fight, they laid on the bed and chilled with movies and lived their best cousin life. But, for me, the best part is just the being! Being in the moment.

I would like to say that I didn’t have that time as a young parent. Honestly, it was two fold, I didn’t make time and if I did have it, I wasn’t smart enough to take it, I think that is more accurate. I do know one fact, that it’s true that being a grandparent is the best gift in that entire world. I have been gifted the time to sit and watch and not have to chase the phone or focus on my work, or clean the house. I have no deadlines that I have to meet. I have the luxury of reading a aloud, of playing. I play freeze tag, guns, and water hose, disgruntled customer, farm, dolls, swimming, pretend ice cream guy, they name it, I oblige. What a great life!!

They are growing up. I hate that. School has started, I hate that, too. That means that Santa will become a memory, the tooth fairy will be gone, freeze tag (my favorite) and zombie apocalypse will be left to the recesses of our minds. That is a shot to the heart. UGH. I don’t know how long I have. I have a new baby grandson, Kellen, born July 25, 2025, and I hope I am around to freeze him in the front yard with my flowered ray gun. I hope I live long enough to ingrain into his memory a crazy CoCo who loves them all beyond the moon…forget the back. There’s no return.

I know I don’t want to live so long that I am a burden. I know what that is. That isn’t in my future. I just want enough time to be the loving, fun CoCo and G. Where bedtime is watching some random farm video, or Disney, or Bluey and I hear every night how much they love me and I say “I love you more because I’m older and bigger” then they argue and a tickle fight starts. Freddy, Jonny, Allie, Lilo and Stitch. (Allie named new baby Stitch”)

Well, Grands, I make you a promise, G and I are going to do our best to stick around and love you all for as long as we can!

For now, if you want a car wash…call Freddy Von Schitz and his sidekick to get the best wash for your buck…Well if you are ok paying zero but the reward is laughter. That’s always enough for me.

Until then….Love. That is all.

E