Playing Catch Up

(warning this is a long post...)

Yikes, it's been a month since I have blogged.  It was a busy month indeed.  Preparing for, and driving to Utah for my Moms 80 Birthday, has taken up a big chunk of the month. I am glad it is over.  Pretty much did me in.

We left on the 26th of September, after a full month of planning.  We drove up with my sister Becky and hubs, DJ.  We opted after much consideration, to take the ugly drive up.  For those who have never driven from Houston, north to Amarillo, to the border of New Mexico, plan on the ugliest drive ever.  However, to our surprise we saw a green New Mexico, due to a heavy year of rain. It was a fun surprise for us. The first day and 14 hours later, we spent the night in Albuquerque.

The next morning, Rick got this crazy idea to go out of the way a bit, to the 4 corners area. DJ obliged. Some pictures on our way, and off the beaten path to the four corners area.  God's creative handy work.

Ship Rock in Arizona in the distance...

Four Corners

Closer to Moab

We arrived in Salt Lake late, got a bite to eat, and went to bed.  Got up, and went to the Quilted Bear (the place I miss a lot), with Becky while the boys went to Walmart.  Then it was off to decorate for the big event. It took us every bit of the 2 hours, to get set up.  Almost everybody pitched in and helped. First the tables were set up.

Starting the madness

 1933-1943

 1943-1953

 1953-1963

1963-1973

1973-1983

 1983-1993

1993-2003

2003-2013

 Its all in the details...

Sign in table done by nieces, made scrapbook pages for people to sign.

The Party
The guest of honor...

Meeting Ezekiel "Glade" for the first time

These dear friends drove from Vernal and Cody, Wyoming...

  We did a lot of singing...

Happy Birthday to you... 

More details... Brother Glade put together a  great video, sister made awesome posters of the decades, and reunions.  There was a table of family reunions, and one of those family members pictures who could not make it, including family member no longer with us.

Mom seemed to enjoy the afternoon.  The family had fun working together, singing together, remembering together, and being together with our sweet Mom. After all, families together forever.  We flew home at 9:00 am the next morning, tired but glad we made the effort.