Grandpa's 90th Birthday!

My amazing Grandpa Petersen turned 90 years old on September 12. We had a big family party for him and it was so great! The cousins had a separate lunch while my Grandpa went to lunch with his kids and their spouses. I was in charge of the cousin lunch. We had some yummy food and then set up for the big party. After lunch we combined the two parties. We had a nice program for my Grandpa. There were several musical numbers and some nice tributes. Grandpa pretty much cried through most of it! My cousin Nick was the MC and did a great job (sadly he is about the only person in the program I didn't get a picture of)! After the program we had cake and punch and took pictures. That evening my Aunt Bobbie had a barbeque at her house. Both parties were so much fun! I have the best family and love spending time with them. We had about 120 people come which was awesome!
My grandpa is amazing! He loves all of us so much and is always proud of what we accomplish. He has always supported me in everything. He was at my baptism, many drill team performances, my high school graduation, my wedding, Jackson's baby blessing, and many more events! I feel so lucky to say that he has been so involved in my life. Some of my favorite memories of him are playing Scrabble (he is really good and always wins:), making me dinosaur shaped pancakes, feeding his horses, and watching Jazz games with him. I love him so much and am thankful for the wonderful example he is.


Jackson and Amelia at the party


Jackson


Sam and Me at the party


The little set-up


The cake


My cousin Chelsea made this amazing book. It is full of my grandpa's life history. My Aunt Val and cousin Jeff read some memories that my Grandpa's kids wrote in the book.


My Uncles (David, Brent, and Richard) sang 'I Walk the Line.'


Aunt Chris shared a tribute she wrote


All of the granddaughters sang 'Grandpa, tell me 'bout the good ol' Days'


Jackson during the program


Robert sharing one of my grandpa's favorite poems, Invictus


My Grandpa reciting the poem, I used to Shoot Birds


Heather and Derek singing and Derek playing guitar


We had a couple of contests that my Grandpa has always had us do. First was a headstand contest. Second was guessing how much money was in his pocket. Each of the kids lined up and guessed and the winner got the money. My cousin's little boy Brody won $3.10(he is 3). His dad wasn't there and when he called him he said, "Dad! I won 50 bucks!" So cute :)


The Great-Grandkids sang a song


Uncle Richard read a tribute he wrote


My family with Grandma and Grandpa (Jackson fell in some thorns that got all over his shirt, so that is why he is shirtless :)


All of the girls in the family-Val, Sue, Chris, JoRae, Bobbie, and Jill


The whole family-Front Row: Chris, Sue, JoRae, Bobbie, Val Back Row: Richard, Jill, Brent, David


Grandpa with his cake