Grandma Betty’s Surprise 90th Birthday Party!

My grandma Betty (my mom’s mom) turned 90 in March and the family was throwing her a surprise party in California. I wanted to be there so badly, but knew that with the business of our schedules and the cost of the trip, it would be difficult for me to go. I knew we couldn’t afford to buy two plane tickets, and knew that Nathan wouldn’t enjoy the trip very much since it was going to be so short. After agonizing about the decision, I finally asked him about it and his response was, “California?! The Earthquake place? I’m never going there!” I assured him that earthquakes don’t happen all the time and that there probably wouldn’t be any during the trip but told him if I went he could stay home and have a super fun boy weekend with Daddy and Papa. He loved the idea, so Emma and I packed up and went to California!

You can’t go to California with out the right sunglasses and a great pedicure!

This was Emma’s first time getting her nails painted and she loved it so much!

 

We got tickets on the same plane as my Mom and Leslie which made it so much easier. Emma is an awesome traveler, but it was nice to have some company and a few extra hands and laps.

  

This is what happens when Leslie gets bored. These are just two of my favorites.

    

We flew to California on Saturday morning and went straight to the church to set up for the big party. Grandma had figured out that something was going on, she just didn’t know what and she didn’t know how many people had come from near and far to surprise her. If I’m right,  2 of her 4 children, 10 of her 16 grandchildren, and 14 of her 20 great-grandchildren were there. When they brought her to the building, she said, “Well, you finally got me to the church!” I wish I could get the video to load, but the surprise was awesome! She was thrilled!

 

Emma was such a good girl all day, even though she’d been awake since 5:30 in the morning.

    

Grandma kept saying, “This isn’t a birthday party! It’s like a wedding!” She even got up and read a poem she wrote about turning 90.

   

I had so much fun seeing my cousins. I hadn’t seen my cousin Molly in almost 20 years! And I loved meeting some of my Armenian relatives.

Emma and Quincy hit it off too.

After watching Quincy hit the piñata, Emma decided she wanted to give it a try too. She was so cute and gave it a little smack, then ran away.

          

My brother, Ryan, came from Utah for the party and it was great to see him too.

Since he turned 30 the same week that Grandma turned 90, he got a birthday cheesecake that night.

 

Nothing but chocolate for Grandma Betty, though!

        

Fun in the photo booth!

Four generations of Armenian women!

Grandma with Arthur, her youngest great-grandchild (but not for long!)

    

Grandma with 2 of her 4 children, Janie and Johnny.

 

I’m so glad my sweet Emma could meet her great-grandma.

We stayed with Grandma for a few days and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine on Sunday.

We love Uncle Ry Ry!

 

Nathan wanted me to let him know exactly how hot it was. A little TOO hot for me!

   

 

 

Emma has a way of finding accessories wherever she goes.

 

Monday morning Emma woke up early, so we went for a walk in the beautiful California sunshine.

I had to get a few pictures of palm trees for Nathan.

   

When we got back from our walk, Grandma Betty informed us that we had all slept through an earthquake that morning. I couldn’t wait to tell Nathan!!

We got ready to go home while Emma hung out in her favorite spot and read Grandma Betty’s birthday cards.

  

Then it was off to the airport and back to Washington we went!

    

It was a quick trip, but so, so worth it!

 

Meanwhile, back in Washington . . .

Ryan and Nathan went to the Family fun Center on Saturday for some mini golf and other fun.

Then they went to the ward activity- a potato derby!

Nathan loved his guys weekend, complete with a sleepover with Papa!