How It's Done Now

Family...the word means many things doesn't it?  Family in the old days meant Mom and Dad and kiddos...or maybe just a "you and me".   In the here and now the word "family" encompasses many aspects of living as a "unit".   Single parents, gay parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, adoptive parents, friends that gather for dinner on a regular basis....however you want to use the word family it's OK because in the end the real meaning is "LOVE".   Last week our Granddaughter, Summer, called and asked it she could celebrate her birthday at the Pines.  She said it would be her and her boyfriend, her Dad and Evelyn, her Mom and Brian, (her Mom's boyfriend), her other Grandparents, and her siblings.  Of course I said yes and we discussed the menu and who would bring what for the party.  Later she called and asked if it would be OK if her Great-Grandparents could come too.  You bet!  Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it. Shout outs went to the uncles also.   I always hoped my kids would not have to go through a divorce.  But life happens.  Change is part of that and today we all gathered to celebrate a birthday of  one of the sweetest young ladies around.  Summer has the perfect name because she's always happy, full of life, and brings sunshine every time she walks into a room.  It was a lovely afternoon full of all the good things about family life.  I can look back on my life and like most people know I've made mistakes along the way.  But looking at the happy faces of family gathered to celebrate together, it's proof that many good things happened along the way too.

She was crowned princess for the day with her constant companion "Happy"!

19yrs young!  Her other Grandma made the wonderful cake!

We hope all her wished come true.

All the chairs were filled with family and friends.

Summer, her sister, Driana, and her other Grandma, Kay.

All her sibs and Happy.

PawPaw and Driana...love this pic!

Chubbs was there enjoying all the attention from Phil and Jack.

We love you sweetie!