Grandpa's 75th Birthday

We had been planning a big celebration for my dad's 75th birthday. We did it a month later than his actual birthday because of so many conflicts in March. We did a lot of planning and pulled off a fun night honoring my dad and the life he has lived and all of his great accomplishments. 

Baby Eden was born on Grandpa's 75th birthday. 

How special to share the same special day.

We arrived on Friday and started the preparations for the big party on Saturday. 

Bridger and Carter "helped" grandpa mow the lawn. 

Uncle Hyrum and Eden

Grandpa Johnson holding his newest Grandbaby, Eden 

We had a dinner with all my siblings and their family, my parents siblings and some cousins followed by an open house with friends and more family that came give birthday wishes. 

I haven't seen these cousins since Bridger was a baby. So fun to see Marlena and Jessica again, along with so many other cousins and neighbors that I grew up with.

L to R: Marlena, Val, Mona and Jessica holding Sophie

Now with Ammon and Sarah in the picture

Grandkids at the dinner

The theme for the party was "Hats off to Wallace."

After the dinner we had a program. Hyrum read an autobiography Dad wrote after high school, my sister, Sarah, wrote a really cute poem about the many hats my dad has worn and the meaning and time in his life they represented. Each of the grandkids read a stanza with the hat that went along with it. Bridger was the cowboy hat and Carter did the army hat. They all did really well and they had fun taking part in the celebration.

Carter had to hold really still to keep the hat on his head. He memorized his part and did great. 

Dad and Mom watching the program

My siblings and I and some spouses sang a song, "Homeward Bound" and then we had a slide show that Sarah put together highlighting Dad's life. We also had some display tables that showed a timeline of things he has done with props and pictures to go with it. It turned out really well and I should have taken more pictures. 

Afton entertaining herself during the program. 

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Johnson. We love you!