Danielle, what do you and Matt love most about being grandparents?
Danielle: Becoming grandparents has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Watching William and James grow, learn, and discover the world has brought a happiness we never could have imagined. Every stage feels like a gift—whether it’s William asking big questions or James cracking us up with his two-year-old humor. We treasure every moment.
Tell us a little about your grandsons.
Danielle: William, who is seven, is our little athlete. He loves baseball, basketball, and is a huge Auburn Tigers fan. He has a gentle heart and a sweet love for Christian YouTube music. In fact, he often falls asleep listening to it—it helps him drift off peacefully. James, at two years old, is our comedian. He loves Legos, Mickey Mouse, and doing anything that makes us laugh. He loves imitating Papa walking like an “old man,” which always has our whole family in stitches. One of the sweetest things about William is how much he loves helping with James. Their bond makes our hearts melt.
Do you have special traditions with the boys?
Danielle: Absolutely—sleepovers are a big one. They’re full of snacks, games, giggles, and plenty of memories. William stayed with us before he started daycare, and those days gave us a special connection with him. Papa is famous for his bedtime storytelling. The boys call it “Beep the Jeep,” and Papa will spin story after story, each sillier than the last. It’s something they look forward to every visit.
What does time together usually look like?
Danielle: Lots of board games and, of course, Uno! The boys are competitive in the cutest way. We also try not to miss any of their school activities—programs, games, or special days. Being present is something we value deeply. Holidays are another favorite time for all of us. Celebrating together, creating traditions, and simply being under one roof mean everything. And every Sunday, we attend church together at Frazer, which grounds us and keeps our family connected spiritually.
What brings you the most joy as grandparents?
Danielle: The laughter. The hugs. The little moments that seem simple but mean the world. We love being the place they run to, the people they can count on, the ones who get to watch them grow. Whether we’re cheering from the stands, reading bedtime stories, or just sitting on the floor building Legos, these are the days we know we’ll never forget.
What values do you hope to pass on to William and James?
Danielle: We hope to teach them the importance of kindness, faith, and family. We want them to grow up knowing they are deeply loved, supported, and believed in. We try to show them what it means to serve others, to be patient, to treat people with respect, and to stay rooted in their faith. More than anything, we want William and James to remember that family is their foundation—something they can always come back to, no matter where life takes them.
Bio: Danielle Drolette, an office manager for Southern Orthopedics, has been married to Matt Drolette for 38 years. They have two children: Nick (35) and Matty (29). The couple lives in Montgomery, AL.
