This blog has been created by and for the Kinast Family. As we begin to grow and branch out, we thought it might be fun to create a place where we could learn and share about one another. In this blog, you will hear stories about funny situations we have been in, current status on family, things that have helped us to grow as people and other positive impacts that we have each experienced in our lives. So, sit back, take a few moments to relax, and learn about those you love who will always love and support you in your life...

1.21.2024

How Tall Was Grandpa? Grandma Weighed In

 I shared this story with a few of the family members when Theresa and I were visiting this January, but it is one that Theresa and I reference often and a fun story of Grandma and Grandpa interacting.

Some time when we were still living in Hutch (I think), Theresa and I thought we'd hit on a really clever way to find out the truth about Grandpa's height: we'd see what his Army records had said. We assumed they'd recorded his height and those records were more likely to be preserved than, say, an old driver's license. Plus, someone else had probably recorded the measurement so it would be more accurate than just hearing it straight from Grandpa!

We did make a mistake and chose to approach Grandpa directly, rather than checking his old records. At a gathering, I had strategically parked in the rocking chair next to Grandpa's usual chair and Theresa was sitting on one of the blue foot stools when we posed the question: "how tall did the Army say Grandpa was when he went to Korea?"

Grandpa didn't have to give the question much thought before proudly telling us "five-eight." We were both shocked to hear a loud (and indignant?) "You were never 5'8"!" from Grandma from across the room. She'd been in the kitchen and was now standing on the boundary between the dining room and kitchen and apparently had heard Grandpa's usual line. It was really amusing in person, and so characteristic of both of them, that Theresa and I will randomly quote Grandma's response whenever a conversation about height comes up--or any other time Grandma's attitude would be appropriate!