1) For example, “I hadn’t really known grandpa very well. Sure I loved seeing him whenever he visited for the holidays or when I got to visit him during the summer but, I still barely knew him. I knew at least that he loved this statue.” seems like it could be trimmed considerably, or “The statue was stuck in pretty deep but after just a few minutes I’d gotten it loose enough to safely pull it out. As I did so I heard a small thump come from the hole. Worried a part of the statue broke off I looked in.” also feels a bit wordy and stiff, like it could be condensed for a smoother flow.
As for 2), I think that sounds like a great idea and I’d love to read it. Perhaps that’s just my taste, but I feel like the adaptation is a good part of the fun, especially when the change is unexpected.