Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

The month of November afforded us the opportunity to travel to Nky for a long weekend to visit with family and participate in a surprise 90th birthday for my Grandma Kubala.  We were all semi-concerned that a "surprise" party might lead to some sort of cardiac event for my Grandma, but the quite the opposite happened - I don't think I've ever seen my Grandma happier in her life!!

We had a great time that weekend visiting with all of my family.  As per usual, this trip to Nky was a whirlwind of activity, with visitors coming and going, lots of food, and lot of play time for the kids! 

I shared a long blog a few months ago for the Scheper Family Reunion in May, and wanted to do a similar posting here with my dad's side of the family.  I am forever in awe of my rich heritage and amazed at what a blessing a large family can be.  My grandma's suprise party consisted mainly of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but also was attended by some of her friends and nieces and nephews as well.

My grandma, Dorothy Jane (known as Dot in most circles), was born in Columbus, OH on Dec. 4th 1921 and had 1 brother, Jack (known as Bud).  My grandma grew up in Columbus and stayed there until she met my grandpa at the USO Club.  My grandpa, Bill, was 1 of 12 children (yes, 12!!), born to parents who had immigrated to Youngstown, OH from Czechoslavakia.  Together my grandparents had 9 children themselves - Michael, David, Stephen, Barbara, Paul (my dad!), Anne, Nancy, Carole, and Bill - and moved around a few times before settling in to Ft. Thomas, Ky. where they lived for 30 years before my grandpa passed away in 1982.  I simply cannot fathom all these children and wonder how anyone maintained a household of 7, 9, or 12 children!  I struggle most days with TWO!!

My grandma is fun-loving, always up for a great time, always ready for a trip of any sort, and continually grateful for whatever life throws her way.  I think you'll see some of these qualities in the pictures below!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Jane really wanted to wear Aunt Katie's boots.  I have no idea why her hands are like that, but it's so cute!

Keegan and Jane with Aunt Katie

Relaxing with Nana

Luke trying to impress the ladies with his one-hand ability on the trike.  Jane is, of course, telling him how to do it.  He's not listening.

My grandma was all smiles on her birthday.  And she wore her princess hat for the whole party!!

I love this picture even if Luke was preferring to be held by someone else.  I think Luke looks a lot like my dad with his light blue eyes, which he gets from my grandma.

Jane and Grandpaul, putting out the vibe

Grandma with all of her grandchildren, minus 1 who lives in Seattle and couldn't make it.  19 in total.

Grandma with all of her great-grandchildren.  12 so far

Grandma with all her children.  All of them still live in Nky, with the exception of 2.

Our family enjoying the party.  An exceptionally warm evening allowed us to be outside for awhile!

I don't even know how to comment on this picture.  We asked them both to smile for the camera and this is what we got.

My mom, sister, and I

Luke was ready to go by the end of the evening.  He gets completely stoic when in front of the camera.  And still looks nothing like me...