Papa's 85th Birthday

The month of April is almost gone! What a busy month is has been with a big birthday party, quilt retreat, dinners, babysitting, Etsy, Easter  and preparing for an upcoming trip to Vermont in May. I love to blog, but sometimes, life just gets so busy that I have to let something go for awhile. So my poor blog took the hit this time. I will be posting about the April events until I catch up a bit as my whole reason for blogging is to keep a record of my life for me and for my family. Please bear with me. My dad's 85th Birthday Party was a special event for him. Most of the family was there and I know I have posted many pictures here that won't interest non family, so just skip over them and know we all had a grand time.

When dad had his stroke and heart attack five years ago, the doctors didn't really think he would see his 85th birthday. I didn't either. Surprise!!! Here he is and he is looking good and doing pretty well. He has really enjoyed living at Russellville Retirement Home, so we decided to have his party there and open it to all the residents. It was a lot of fun to see his friends help him celebrate his big day. Dad was born on April 8th, 1929.

This is his big family...the Wuitschick clan. We were missing a few family members, but most of us were able to attend.

Papa is looking a bit serious here, but I like this picture. I think it captures my dad. He can sure get around in his electric scooter.

This is his favorite server Sara. She was our helper for the evening and did a wonderful job. She's a sweetie.

This is Papa's youngest brother Steve. He told dad he wasn't going to be able to attend, but he surprised him right before the party. They are so fun to watch. Sadly, dad's other siblings were not able to attend.

Steve is my "LITTLE UNCLE" and I just love him. I am actually older than him. My mom and my grandmother were pregnant together. It sounds funny but my grandmother was only 36 when Steve was born. We grew up like cousins and my brother and Steve have always been close. They let me pal around with them on a few occasions. I really love this pictures of the two of us.

The residents showed up early for the evening event. Here's Jimmy visiting with them and making sure everyone was having a good time. We had to get the cake cut and going for the visitors!

Of course, baby Otto had to join the fun. Papa's making sure he had some cake too. Papa has four greats.....Isabelle, Payton, Ava and Otto. A blessing.

My nephew Marcos and Jimmy are good buddies. They were planning their upcoming fall hunting trip in Idaho. They can't wait. I love the friendship that these two have. I will always call Marcos Markie, but then that's what Aunties can do! He is a fine lad, as Jimmy says.

Daddy Chris and Ava having fun....always!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Papa, Happy Birthday to you!

Daddy Don with Isabelle and Payton.

Aunt Debbie and Mommy Desi watching cake time.

More family...my SIL Ginger, Matt and Anna. Everyone is having a good time.

Matt and Anna...niece and her hubby. Matt is so funny and always smiling. So is our Chris and Angie. It's nice to have young marrieds in the family now.

What are you looking at Otto? Glad your big sister is helping out. She loves her baby brother.

One of the old married couples! My Jimmy and me.

Here we are with our niece Maria! So good to see you Maria!

The party is winding down. These two look pretty serious.

Not sure what this group is up to, but it looks like fun. Niece Jenny and her friend Nate. I didn't get any good pictures of my brother John. Here he is (red shirt) with Steve and papa.

Aunt Linda with nieces Desi, Anna and Amanda. They were showing me a funny video about men when the get sick. It was soooo funny. I love these beautiful young women. They all have that Wuitschick sense of humor! A bit twisted, but always there!

Chris and my BIL Bill. Bill is recently retired, so he is looking very relaxed!

Mama Angie with Otto. Can you see the icing on his little lips?  He's always up for a party!

It was a very nice evening and I know Papa had a great time. Having all your family surround you is the best blessing and gift anyone could wish for on their 85th! We missed Gina and Eric, Jay, Marcos, Alisa and Pat.