Saturday 06/15/24

Man, was I surprised when Chuck pulled the car up to the house!

I couldn't believe what Sue had put together, and kept all these plans secret from me since February! February? Man....

Gary, Colin, Marissa holding little Maisie, Swayzie and Rezleigh, Mia, Tim House, Russ Jones, Carl Parker, Rick and Linda Downs, Denise, Jill, and Cathy Orlowiicz (whose husband Steve might very well have taken this picture!)

I was so great to see my nephew Scott who had driven up to be with me. At first I didn't even recognize him I was so surprised!

How great it was that my grandson Braden had come with his folks to celebrate with me!

Checking out the massive birthday cake!

Sue had spent literally months gathering all sorts of old pictures of me with the kids and friends. It was so special what Sue did to make this just the best party anyone could have!

Not really sure what Rezleigh is trying to show me, but she had my attention.

Mia, Rezleigh, Swayzie, and Sue.

Nora, Cathy, and Sheina chatting on the porch.

Our friend Nancy talking with Jill.

Sue and Rezleigh.

Mia taking care of little sister Maisie.

Carl Parker, Tim House, and Russ Jones: all 40 plus year martial arts students of mine and all at the Master level.

Chuck and brother Colin mugging for the camera.

Denise lending Marissa a hand by feeding Maisie.

Sue's brother Alan in the car with Graham and Raven.

Alan relaxing under the shade of the tent.

Maisie, Mia, Swayzie and Rezleigh, Me, Alan and his wife Kathleen.

Swayzie, Mia with Rezleigh, and Denise holding my granddaughter Maisie.

It was great that Nora came to celebrate with us as she was the one who introduced me to Sue back in 2010.

Russ Jones, Carl Parker, and Tim House with my long time karate disciple 3rd Degree Black Belt Rick Downs.

Colin chatting with Scott.

Holding Maisie while talking with Scott.

Braden holding Maisie

It's such a great day for me!

Colin and Rezleigh.

Colin and Rezleigh.

Carl Parker had put up about a dozen cute posters all around the house, but this one was the best....

With Marissa's great help, Sue had hired a caterer that she referred. He was terrific; really making the party come together. He provided both a general snack table of food, but also wonderful early dinner buffet selections.

Attending karate disciples Time House, Carl Parker, Rick Downs, and Russ Jones

My kids Colin, Marissa, and Chuck

My kids and now the grand kids! Grandson Graham, Colin, granddaughter Rezleigh, Marissa and her daughter Maisie sitting on my lap, Chuck, granddaughter Mia, and grandson Braden.

My whole family with only nephew Dean from Idaho missing. Grandson Graham, Colin, granddaugher Rezleigh, Colin's wife Swayzie, Marissa, nephew Scott, Chuck and wife Denise with grandson Braden behind them, Gary (Marissa's husband), me holding granddaughter Maisie, Sue, and granddaughter Mia.