"I want to be 90"

Says Audrey from the backseat of Grandma's car.  And who wouldn't?  You get to dress-up however you want (preferably with purple cowgirl boots), eat a fancy lunch, have the biggest party a four year-old has ever seen, see lots of family and friends, and nobody can tell you that you've had too much cake!
  This last Saturday was my Grandma Carl's 90th birthday party, her actual birthday being this Tuesday.  We were fortunate enough to be in Grass Valley for the party and share the exciting day with Grandma.  Not only do I see it as an accomplishment that she made it to an impressive 90 years old (I hope those strong genes made it my way) but, it was even more impressive to see how many people would travel regardless of distance, health or other circumstance to celebrate with Grandma.  Of course she's not "Grandma" to everyone who was there.  She had friends she's known and kept in touch with since elementary school and friends who have happily become family through marriages.  And of course Audrey and Lexi weren't just there for the cake, though it sure kept them quiet and still when the time came.  But they were excited to do something special for their Grandma and get to sing "Happy Day" at the top of their lungs.  We're also grateful to Grandma for giving us the chance to see family that we just don't get enough of and meeting a new little cousin/niece for the first time.  I'm so thankful to my Mom for putting this plan into action and getting everyone else on board.  Grandma's not one to want the attention on her, but she seemed to love every moment of it.  I'm positive that smile didn't leave her face all day.  And if you watched carefully as she left the party my Dad actually had to hold her arm so she didn't accidentally float off, she was that happy.  It was a great, although rushed, weekend and we would make the drive again.  Road construction, previous post and a/c going out all included!  Happy Birthday Grandma!
  Yes, there are a lot of pictures.  Thanks, Dad and John for the fine collection of pictures to choose from.  No, don't feel like you have to watch the whole slide.  Just remember, I had 170 + to sort through!