Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield got together in 2013, blending their family of five children and an additional eight grandchildren. The couple have been graciously sharing adorable moments with their grandkids on social media, giving us a glimpse into their big family.
Gilbert shares two sons from her previous marriages to Bo Brinkman and then Bruce Boxleitner. She is also stepmother to Busfield’s three children — Samuel, Daisy, and Wilson. Here are photos from the couple’s quality time with the kids.
With Rosemary
Gilbert took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself and Busfield playing with their youngest granddaughter, Rosemary. Gilbert held up a stuffed toy to the baby’s face as Busfield watched with a smile. “What a sweet sweet girl,” the caption read.
RELATED: Melissa Gilbert Says Cosmetic Procedures Left Her Looking Like ‘Spawn Of Satan’
Lullabelle’s request
Gilbert shared her granddaughter Lullabelle’s first time seeing Little House on the Prairie. She had asked her nana to braid her hair as a nod to Gilbert’s signature hairstyle playing Laura Ingalls in the classic TV show. “That amazing moment when, three episodes into her first time watching #littlehouseontheprairie, my granddaughter Lulabelle asked me to put her hair in braids,” Gilbert wrote.
Ripley’s first birthday
Gilbert was an extra-excited grandmom as one of her little tots celebrated her first birthday. “Nana and Papa love you sooooooo much!!!” she wrote to Ripley Lou on social media.
Busfield’s birthday
Gilbert celebrated Busfield’s birthday with a photo of him carrying their grandchild, Ruby. “Grandpa Tim had the best birthday EVER!!!” she remarked.
One big family
Gilbert shared a photo of their growing family to celebrate Father’s Day. She paid tribute to her late father, and all the dads in her family — including her ex-husbands. “As I put this post together, I see all of the incredible fathers who are in my life now. Seeing how much they each love their children is so incredibly healing for me… I love you guys so much!!” the caption read.
Three generations
View this post on Instagram
Gilbert posted a fun photo featuring herself, and Lullable sharing a hearty full laugh. The photo and many more prove her recent statement to PEOPLE about prioritizing family over her star status. “I’d rather get down in a sandbox and play with my grandchildren,” she told the outlet.
Something in common
Showing off Rosemary, Gilbert took the opportunity to inform fans that “three out of four of our granddaughters’ names start with ‘R’.”
Ripley is growing!
Gilbert proudly showed off her baby granddaughter Ripley, who she described as a “bundle of personality and giggles and…teething.”
Happy Nana
Baby Ripley lay peacefully on her grandmother’s chest in this photo, which Gilbert captioned as heaven on Earth.
Gilbert’s happiest moments
While most people have specific moments that gladden them, nothing beats family time for Gilbert. She shared a photo from son Dakota’s wedding period to Instagram with the caption, “My happiest days are when I’m surrounded by my sons and my beautiful granddaughter.”