Ain't It Crazy, Look Who's 80!

Mom and Grandpa right after we surprised him

The party was at the Rockin C, Grandpa's daily card playin, bar hang out

We had a blast in Garden City, MO this last weekend. A VERY small town about 45 minutes outside of Kansas City where my mom and her 8 siblings grew up. It was my "Grandpa Weenie's" 80th birthday, and the fam decided to make it a big blow out. We got in town Friday night and went to my Uncle David's, which is always fun because he has a HUGE basement with his own little bar, ping-pong table, and pool-table. Everybody always end up there the first night we're in town, and we usually wind up staying up into the wee-hours drinking and talking. This time we saved a little for Saturday night though, for Grandpa's party.

The plan was to take a family portrait before the party (my aunt's bestie Erin came in from LA with her to be the photographer), so we kinda had to let a little bit of the surprise slip before the party. We pretended that the surprise was the fact that we all came in town. Once we were there, Grandpa quickly started worrying about his ribs, which he had been smoking the day before for lunch, only he didn't know he would have 30 mouths to feed. Sooo....Grandma told him we'd just have to go up to the Rockin C to have lunch, because she hadn't planned on the company either. 

We took pictures (in the 50 mph winds and spitting rain) while the Rockin C was setting up the party. Grandpa pretty much had a blank expression and nodded his head as we yelled, "SURPRISE!!!" No over-the-top "Oh my gosh, you shouldn't have!" was coming from him, but that was expected as he's one tough-I've put-up-with-raising-9 kids-I'm-a-man's-man-army-vet. I also know, however, what a softy he can be behind those glasses of his, so I KNOW he enjoyed every minute of it. 

After the party came the after party...AND...everyone came back to Grandma and Grandpa's for the usual shed party. My grandpa basically lives in his shed. He works in it all day. There are tools EVERYWHERE, and just keeps what he needs for survival, his own fridge stocked full of beer and sardines, and a phone line to call up to the house. Unfortunately, I didn't think to get any pictures of this wonderful shed to share...I know you are disappointed.

Here are some pics of the after-party (and a some from the before-party)

Addi, Mom, Ryan, and Grandma

I love this picture! And Addi looks SO grown up!

Ryan and Sara (sisters, and my cousins) on Grandpa's golf cart. 

This golf cart has been driven many-a-time by the grandkids. I have a picture of Sara and I on it when we are probably 5-7 years old. 
Party-goers
Jake and Sara, my cousins

Jake had prom that night, so he had to skip out early

Back porch guests

More party-goers

Grandpa and Luke
Luke and Addi chipping some golf balls.

 Another thing we've done for years at Grandma and Grandpa's
Addi and Daddy

Check out that grin!
Tater. THE most over-weight Jack Russell EVER.

This picture must been from his good side, because he looks skinny here.

Well....we're off to FSM this weekend for Addi's 2nd birthday party and Easter!

Hope you have a HOPPY EASTER!!!!