Happy Birthday, Gamma!

Today is Gamma's birthday, so we compiled a bunch of reasons that we love her, besides that fact that she is Gamma (and Mom and Mother-in-law and friend).

She comes to visit us wherever we live...

On her most recent visit, just a few days ago and we're already missing her

She makes an afternoon at the beach a special memory...

She listens and is a good sport when we try to do something special as a family, even if it involves eating weird food.

(Unlike Sam, who appears to be taking a little nap while his daddy talks about the significance of Easter.)

We like to celebrate birthdays and holidays with her, and she always lets us decorate things the way we want.

Pa J's birthday

Evan's 1st birthday in Kansas City

Evan's "Marsh the Mallows" 4th birthday

Thanksgiving in Tucson

We think she is beautiful, especially when we're all dressed up for a special wedding!

Aunt Stacey's wedding in Atlanta

We love her crazy family so much! We are blessed with another Grandma (great Grandma) and Papa and lots of aunts and uncles on her side!

The Atlanta cousins

Gamma's parents, Papa and Grandma

She always reads us books...

 

But is never too busy to pause and give us kisses!

She is supportive and kind to her daughter-in-law, even though I'm sure she doesn't always understand her...

And of course, she's been around for each of our 3 little kids' births!

With Annie, the day after she and Pa J were with Sam when he announced to the entire restaurant in Flagstaff that his little sister had been born.

She lets us climb on her furniture...

She takes silly pictures with us on her phone...

She lets us sit in the special high chair in her kitchen, where she even has a drawer saved just for us, and she always feeds us our favorite snacks.

And best of all, she gave us baths in the kitchen sink until we were too big.

We love our times with her and we know she treasures family time as much as life itself.

We love the formal times...

...and the informal times where we chat about nonsense on the front porch, just happy to be together.

She takes us to places like the Deer Farm near Williams...

...and does special tasty projects she picks out just for us...

...even when she isn't feeling great.  We sure appreciated that.

So, Happy Birthday, Gamma.  We are looking forward to more memories, more pictures, more holidays, and more special activities as we continue to grow.  You are always in our hearts and welcome in our home.  We love you!!!!

XOXOXOXOXO