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Sunday Evening, November 10

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Several weeks ago Jeff’s children asked if they could have his birthday party in our garage. I loved having everyone here. His birthday was at the end of October.

The apples and peanut butter dip were available before the meal – and Bennett took advantage of that. I loved when he asked if I was putting pictures on the wall. I guess he thought it was Christmas, when I use our projector to show old pictures on the garage wall. It blessed my heart that he remembered we do that.

Jordan led in a special prayer of thankfulness for their dad and a blessing on him and the meal.

Each family (Jordan & Nicole, Nate & Lauree, Dustan & Jenna, Donovan & Diana, and Zach & Gloria) brought food – some of Jeff’s favorites: grilled chicken and sausage, mac & cheese, and a delightful baked bean mix. There were also chips, apples, birthday cake and ice cream.

We set up 20 chairs and there were three babies who didn’t use a seat at the table. Notice Jeff’s sister Deb on the right (holding Sierra) and his brother Jere (plaid shirt on the right).

From the other end of the table – Zach, Aleah and Gloria were in the foreground.

Singing happy birthday to Pop Pop – his grandchildren’s name for him.

Each candle represented a decade.

Jeff’s nine grandchildren. The little ones are each being held by their oldest sibling, except Aleah (left) who does not have an older sibling. She belongs to Zach and Gloria. Next are Donovan and Diana’s oldest and youngest, Bennett and Sierra. Their brother Waylon is on the right. Next are Nate and Lauree’s two girls: Emmy and Lainey. In the middle/right are Dustan and Jenna’s three, Drake, Jade, Harper.

Pop Pop with his nine grandchildren. If you notice that most of the children’s eyes are not looking at me, it’s because their parents were in the background trying to get their attention and make them smile.

Lauree delighted the children by releasing the balloons into the room.

Aleah (held by great aunt Deb) was not sure about the balloon. Her mom Gloria (behind balloon) said it was probably the first time she had to deal with a balloon.

The other children were quite familiar with balloons.

Like father, like sons. 🙂 Nate, Jeff, and Jordan watching the final lap of NASCAR’s championship race.

Ready to open gifts. The other week (close to his birthday) his sons and sons-in-law took him to Blackworth Live Fire Grill in Lititz. We took him to Two Cousins Restaurant as our gift.

This package and toilet paper roll were from his sisters Diane and Deb. 🙂

He was also delighted with the contents of their box.

Laughing at a funny card from his brother Jere and wife Kristen. There was also a gift card to a local grocery store.

I think his favorite card was from his oldest grandchild, Jade (6), who wrote Pop Pop on a card. He commented about her good penmanship and said he will treasure that one.