Grandpa Harty's 85th Birthday Party

Although Grandpa's official birthdate is today, September 22, his party was yesterday, at Eagle's Nest Park in Clearwater.  We had many family members come in from all over the southern states, including surprise visits from some cousins!  My many, many thanks to Valerie, Amber, and Clif for being the photographers while I coordinated the activities for the young-ins.

We missed you Vicky and family.  I am hoping that this blog makes you feel you were with us. :)


Chloe and Grandpa hanging on the swing at Grandpa Harty's house waiting for Mom and Grandma to finish filling the water balloons before we head off to the park.




Diane couldn't wait to get her hands on Chloe and shower her with hugs and kisses.



It wasn't long before guests started arriving.  Diane goes out to greet Janet, her son John, and grandkids Paige and Kate.



Dina and her son Gabriel check out the picture boards from previous Miller Reunions dating back to the 1980's.  Aunt Bev was so thoughtful to forward these along from Texas for us to enjoy on this special occasion. Thanks Aunt Bev! :)



A better pose of Dina than the top of her head.




Barbara and Pete coordinated the picnic.  They are seated here with their daughter Jill.  Jill's husband Jeff is sitting between Barbara and Pete.  Mark introduced us to his girlfriend Claudia who is from Venezuela.  She is very personable, and we all enjoyed getting to know her.



Jill, Claudia, and Mark



 Jeff, Annabelle and I.



John with his youngest daughter Kate.



I was surprised to see Rick still has his "Miller Time" hat from the very first family reunion we had ions ago.





Richard's wife Jenna, with her youngest Mary Walter, posing with Nereida.



Sandra introduced us to her boyfriend, Brad.  He too is personable.  We enjoyed getting to know him as well.  When they left, he said, "I'm looking forward to many other family functions."



Mickey enjoying conversation with...



Jim.  Of course, Diane is still entertaining Chloe.



It didn't take the cousins long to get out and start playing ball.  It was the best thing for them to do while us adults continued with our greetings. From the left to right, Matt, Michael, and Jake.



Chris came up for the day from college.  He is attending Florida Gulf Coast University.



Mike and Barbara made it in from New Orleans.  They brought paper jets and bubbles for the kids to enjoy.  This was so thoughtful.  Thanks Mike and Barbara. :)



Mary and Janet



Julie and Ashley came in from Winter Haven.  Barrett had a ball game so he and Steve weren't able to come.



Let the activities begin.  We started with some parachute fun.  They had never seen this before and didn't quite know what to think of it.



But once they realized the balls flew off...



They just kept going and going...



and going.



Little Samuel took on the responsibility of collecting all the balls that bounced off.



Grandpa enjoyed watching the little ones enjoy themselves.  You can tell he is proud of his family.  You should be Dad.  You did a great job raising us.  Thanks Dad!  You showed us the value of family.



Great shot Amber.  One for the picture frame. 
 Stephen, Michael and Grandpa.






Paige and Nathaniel picking out their bubbles.




The kids had fun with bubbles while I set up for the sponge relay.



Robin making sure her camera is ready for the action shots, and Nereida in the background getting one of Jake.



And we're off.  Michael and Jack race with their water logged sponges to wring them into the other bucket.  Teammates cheer them on.



Jake squeezing out every last bit of water.



Stephen and Amber.




Cousin hug time.  How precious.  They're learning love and compassion at such an early age.




Aunt LaDon and Grandpa Harty catching up on the happenings of family members not present.



Then you have Clif experimenting with the camera on black and white.  One of my favorite pictures.



Next up, the pumpkin roll.  Jack says, "I need to wait for Paige to catch up."  They were too cute!



I had to help Nathaniel along.  He actually rolled over the pumpkin and fell on his head.  It was so funny.



Stephen decided our team was way behind, so he and a few others thought it wise to heave and chase.



 It got real funny when the younger ones also tried to heave and run, only to realize the pumpkins were a little to heavy for them to heave!



Cousin Jim from Texas also decided to get in on the action.



And when Jim's around, you know there'll be fishing.  Jim, Michael, Stephen and Matt are getting the poles ready.  Ashley is eagerly awaiting the adventure.



"Hey, wait for me!"



Lots of fish were caught.  This is Jack.




Paige caught hers.



Jake a little shy to hold his turtle.



Nathaniel is the true fisherman.  He's not afraid to pick up the grubs.



Matt reals in a big one.



Yes, even Stephen caught one.



Turtles galore.  Those who didn't want to fish, fed the turtles...obviously!



We tried out a new game I found online called Blind Shooter.  We had to make the boundary a lot smaller.  The kids loved running around trying to allude the shooter.



Michael trying to squirt his brother Gabriel.



Jim and Jane from Texas, holding Chloe.


Valerie and Stephen making their own bubble fun.



Hmmm, does Clif look a little like Dale Ernhardt here?




Time for cake.



Not only for Grandpa Harty, but Jill's birthday was actually the day of our picnic.  Of course, she had to have a cake too.  Krista, Julie, Matt, cousins Barbara and Mike from New Orleans looking on.



Paige is going to make sure no one gets her cake!



While we enjoyed eating our cake, Rick shared a poem he wrote about Grandpa Harty's 85 years.  The world has been blessed by his presence.



Gabriel couldn't be prouder of his Great Grandpa!



Onto a couple more games before ending the festivities.  What's a picnic without the water balloon toss?



And of course, the further apart you go, the harder it gets.



Michael, Valerie, and Chloe.  I think this is the first family picture I have of them.




I've never seen these photo party favors.  Boy did the crowd have fun with these!  Nereida sporting her new lips.



Barbara can't contain her laughter.



Mark and Claudia getting in on the action.

It was a great way to end a great day.  Happy Birthday Grandpa Harty (Dad). :)