Happy 80th Birthday Grandpa Phelps!

The birthday boy!

We took advantage of having so many members of our family together to celebrate Grandpa Phelps' 80th birthday, even though his birthday isn't for a few more months. We gathered at Aunt Calleen and Uncle Mike's in Farr West for an evening of hot dog grilling, storytelling, trampoline jumping, kid chasing, cake eating, and of course, family laughing. It was a night to remember and one we wish we could have shared with all the Phelps/Johnson/Palmer clan. With all of us grandkids "growing up" and starting families of our own, it gets harder and harder to get us altogether at one time. But even with the distances between us, we are family - and the love we share is stronger than ever.

As a small gesture of gratitude, love, and birthday celebration, we all contributed towards purchasing Grandpa a new "birthday suit". We want him looking even more dashing than he already is in a new suit for church and the temple. After candles and cake, we all loved hearing Grandpa share memories of his childhood. 80 years of life, can you imagine? We also surprised Aunt Calleen with a cake of her own - her birthday is in a few days (Pioneer Day!). The great grandkids - Jada, Olivia and Parker were fighting to be the life of the party. They jumped on the tramp, chased each other up, down and all around the yard, and splashed in the bird bath. Jada even tested out just how hot that open flame of bug repellent was (thankfully she didn't get burned, we're not sure how she missed it)!

Don't they look great?! The happy couple. 

Olivia kept doing this crazy stunt on the tramp of falling backwards and then resting with her legs in the air. Bizarre child.

Blurry picture, but check out that air!

Olivia and Jada - bird bath buddies. They loved splashing each other (they were pretty wet by the end)! I love the tender moment in the upper right photo, such a sweet Jada - contrast that with the silly Livi in the upper left photo. I don't know where Livi gets here silliness. ;)

I know what you're thinking, "is there something in Laurie and Calleen's teeth?!"

Yeah, and now you're wondering, "How long has THAT been there?!" Crazy ladies.

Calleen had to prep herself to blow out the candles on her surprise cake.

Just like her mommy, she loves chocolate cake.

Funniest moment of the night for me: Livi was watching videos on my phone while sitting on the grass. Jada takes phone from Livi and runs off. Livi bursts into tears and screams bloody murder. Michael brings Jada back, takes the phone from her, and insists she give it back to Livi. Jada bursts into tears and screams bloody murder. Heidi and Kristen (the moms) laugh hysterically at the situation, and rather than console their girls, they pull out their cameras and take pictures. This photo is simply the best. Look at those darling cry faces! 

Such a good looking family! We missed having Aunt Margo here too!

What a fabulous evening!!! I am now going to be ever more homesick for my extended family up here - I have loved loved loved not only watching the little ones together, especially Jada and Olivia since they are only 2 days a part, but also chatting with my cousins about life, marriage, and raising kids. Seriously looking forward to another family get together soon.

Ain't we perty?

Just check out Grandma and Grandpa's faces! (not to mention the rest of us too!)