Grandpa's Birthday Party

Grandpa's birthday was fast approaching and we needed to do something for him this year.  Last year was rough right about this time.  We were all struggling to keep it together while Grammie was off and on in the hospital and Mother Joseph's.  It was definitely harder on Grandpa.  We didn't celebrate his birthday last year due to what was happening.  We did let him know we were thinking of him through messages but Grammie was the priority...we all agreed.  It was still hard to have family gatherings without her.

I asked Dad if the 18th would be a good day to have everyone over for his birthday.  He said probably and told me he would ask him when he went over there.  I added, ask him what he would like us to make him for dinner.  Dad got back to me a while later and he said the 18th worked and he would like BBQ chicken and I told him we can do that.  I sent out an email telling everyone about Grandpa's birthday and who is bringing what.  There would be 14 people coming and I assigned people to bring stuff.  Ben and I would be in charge of the chicken and the beans since it was at our house it was easy for us to make the chicken.  Erika bought some corn on the cob and was in charge of making a cake and she went gluten and dairy free with it just to try something new, Trish made potato salad, Mom and Dad brought chips, Doug and Jenn brought some fruit, Kevin and Karla brought their own food and a green salad and Grandma Karen brought brownies and Jell-O for dessert. I told Tracy she didn't have to bring anything except herself.  I'm sure we had plenty of food for everyone.  I told them all to come over around 2ish.

I heard back from everyone and they all said that the plan sounded good and everyone was going to show up.  I went to the store that Friday and got Grandpa some new button up shirts and a card along with the food I was suppose to make.  Mom was going to pick up Grandma and Dad was going to pick up Grandpa.  Everything was set.

That day, after sleeping in and a very light breakfast, Ben and I moved the cars so more cars would fit into the driveway, we tidied up the backyard, got the tables and chairs out there, put the table clothes on, started the beans and Ben was in charge of the chicken.  Everyone started showing up around 2 and mom brought some balloons.  Tracy arrived a little late and couldn't remember how to get to the new house so I went outside to the front yard and asked her where she was.  She went a little too far so I redirected her to our development.  The weather was pretty nice that day but soon got a little chilly when the sun went behind the trees.

The food was done so we brought it out and put it on the small tables and had everyone grab a plate and load up on food.  We ate the delicious food and talked about random things.  It really was different for everyone without Grammie...the mood was very different than it used to be.  It made me sad because we all will never feel like it used to be ever again.  After food, we cleaned up a bit and Erika brought out her cake.  It actually was pretty good for it being gluten and dairy free and Grandpa really enjoyed it.  I brought out the gifts and the birthday hat.  We know how to party!

Grandpa opened his presents and truly enjoyed the moment.  I think all he wanted was everyone to get together, eat food and make memories.  Along with the balloons, mom also brought party hats and noise makers.  The noise makers got out of control and the neighbors probably hate us now.  Grandpa was getting uncomfortable in his chair so we wrapped it up, thanked everyone for coming and everyone headed home.  Grandpa thanked us for a really nice time and Dad took him home so he could be in his comfy chair.

I hope Grandpa is able to have a birthday party next year.

Next Adventure:  House Party at Jean's House and Seahawks vs. Chargers Preseason