A Birthday Tribute!

Well, today is Grandad's 87th Birthday!! He's been writing out his life story, and I'm excited to read it sometime soon. They're having a party for him tomorrow at JoBug's, but sadly, I'll be at work. (boooo!) Anyway, here are a few pictures and memories that I love. CLICK HERE if you wanna read the Tribute I wrote him in 2009! =)

This pic is one of my favorites of both of them... I took it the night I went dancing with them (Grandad loves to two-step)! :)

A Grandad story from 2011:

Okay, so Grandad and Babah got a dog last week... this was totally random and surprising to me!! When I asked about what made them decide that, Grandad started with, "Well, I read somewhere that you live longer if you have a dog..." 

The Babah (with her cynical sense of humor) interrupted with, "Good Lord, how long do you want to live!?"

He answered quickly (and so perfectly): "Till I die!"

Ohhh, I love that.  I've thought about it a lot since then. 

Because so many people don't really live and don't have much desire to prolong their lives.  He's not one of them.  I love that Grandad wasn't content to sit around and be bored in retirement!  I love that they've been such a part of our lives all this time.  I love that they are both active and doing things that make them happy.  I love that, at age 82, he still reads more books in a month than I do all year.  I love that through all the ups and downs of life, he has not lost heart or lost his spirit (you can tell when people do).  The energy, the hope, the joy, the love of life -- I love it! 

Grandad is so precious to all of us - I just love him, and hope he had a great day today!! 

Here's the caption I wrote on this pic in 2012: I took this pic with my cell phone during a family lunch at Cheddars... it originally included faces, but when I tapped the picture to zoom in, I got this shot... so I cropped it down, making the photo quality a bit poorer...  but I LOVE IT! My precious, tenderhearted Grandad (celebrating his 83rd birthday that afternoon) and precious little Bubby Jace (just a few days past 6 months old).  JoBug is holding him here, but he's clearly reaching out for Grandad, who takes care of him through the week while Rach is at work.  I love the age difference in the hands, I love that it shows Grandad's trademark shirt and pocket and Jace's navy and white striped onesie, and I love the connection and the love it represents.  It just makes me happy.

And now, a few other pictures I love, including several of Grandad and the Jaceman, his very beloved first great-grandchild! 

Happy Happy Birthday to my dearly loved Grandad!!