Thursday, October 29, 2009

Family History

My first cousin once removed, Susan and her husband Walter

About a month ago my cousin Susan contacted me. Susan and I have known each other through the years by attending annual family reunion picnics which brought together our grandmother's siblings and their families. Her grandmother and mine were sisters. There were a total of 9 children. It was a 'his, mine, and ours' mixed family. Susan's grandmother and mine were full blood sisters. Her grandmother was the oldest, mine the youngest. Anyway, Susan expressed an interest in trying to put the history of this group of siblings together so she can make a presentation at the next reunion for the remaining cousins. Another cousin's wife is going to put together a book which each of us will have the opportunity to purchase and have for our own individual families. Since Susan contacted me, we have been in touch through e-mail almost daily sharing past memories and impressions we had of the various family members over the years. It has been so much fun! Susan and I have found that we share similar views and have developed a friendship that I value greatly.
Below is a picture of my grandmother. She died at age 55 when I was 4 years old. I still have memories of her although not nearly as many as I wish I had. My parents always spoke highly of her and the talents she had. I am grateful for the connection I have had over the years with her siblings, nieces and nephews and the rest of the extended family.

My Paternal Grandmother

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Happy Birthday Ally!

Ally had fun opening her gifts after we all ate the dinner she requested of BQ hamburgers, Caesar salad, salt and vinegar potato chips and brownies with peanutbutter cups in the middle of them rather than a birthday cake.

Kaitlyn was enjoying watching her sister open the gifts.

My mom came to help celebrate and Ally enjoyed having her great grandma there.

Ally in her 'Hannah Montana' wig. She thought it was great fun to suddenly become blond.

It was a fun day. It started out with the girls participating in the Primary Program at church which George and I were able to attend along with my mom. It was a wonderful program and the kids did a great job.
Then we went to Andrea and Jeremy's for Ally's party. Grandma and Grandpa Kanooth as well as Aunt Lairen, Aunt Katie, and cousins Lauren and Audrey.



Saturday, October 24, 2009

Ally's Wish


About 2 months ago, Ally told me she wished that just her and I could go to the Olive Garden for lunch. It was right before school started and the timing wasn't right for us to be able to do it. I casually mentioned that maybe we could do that around her birthday. She forgot all about it...But grandma didn't! She had no idea when I showed up at her house today that I was about to take her away. When I did get her into the Jeep, she just thought I was taking her to our house for some alone time with grandma...but she soon discovered that we were about to go out for lunch. We had a great time.

She was surprised when they came to sing Happy Birthday to her and bring her dessert.

My Happy Birthday Girl.
7 years old...where has the time gone!?!