80 Years In The Making

Our Minnesota Vacation was just what I was needing.  I feel like I got to do everything that I wanted to and for sure filled up my family love tank.

But our main reason for our trip was to celebrate Papa Moose's 80th birthday.

It's been a rough year for my Grandpa.  He's fighting a battle with cancer that I am 100% convinced he is going to win.  

If anyone deserves to be honored and celebrated it's him and I think the party was a total success!

The party was at a bar in Minneapolis that my Grandpa's been a customer of since he was 17.  It was such a fun place with a ton of character.  Just like our Papa Moose!

He used to deliver Grain Belt Beer so that was the theme.

My Aunt brought one of his old uniforms!  SO COOL!

It was amazing to see all the people that came out to celebrate with him.  These pictures do not do justice to how crowded the place was!

Josie was on her best behavior.  I'm pretty sure she made the rounds and talked with everyone at least once.

My other Grandparents were able to make it out too!  It was awesome to have them all together!

Josie has been Papa Moose's little side kick the whole week!  So of course I knew just where to find her when it was cake time!

I can't remember the last time all my cousins were together.  We had a blast!

My Grandpa is for sure Josie's main squeeze, but he is one of my biggest heros too.

The more I learn about his life, the more amazed I am.  He raised amazing children who in turn raised amazing children.  I know that who I am, and the faith that I have, all started with the standards he set in place.  I don't have a lot of distinct memories of our times together, but I do remember him as a steady presence.  Which I find more comforting then a thousand events.

I pray for him daily.  And I can't wait for the day we get the amazing report from the Doctors that I know is coming soon.

Happy Birthday Grandpa.  May your 81st year be filled with a lot less discomfort and a lot more victory.