Stephanie and David Maggitt took their 8-year-old granddaughter to the Mall of America so often that they bought a ride pass. Now the Golden Valley couple are playing cards and board games and baking with Gabriella at home.

“I’m teaching her how to measure and we work on her fractions,” said Stephanie. “I let her decorate the cupcakes; you can imagine the mile-high icing.”

When the stay-at-home orders were issued, the Maggitts (aka Nene and Papi), kept their distance. But they decided to create a “bubble” by limiting other contact so they could see their daughter and granddaughter. Stephanie is retired; there’s no one else in David’s insurance office and their daughter, a single parent, sheltered in place, working at home and schooling Gabriella.

“We like to give her a break and we missed Gabby so much,” said Stephanie.

The Maggitts have kept in touch with their other two granddaughters, who live in North Carolina, through video calls. But she admits she longs to be close to them.

“We’re all missing out,” she said.

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