Dad's 70th

 My dad turned 70 on July 11th.  The weekend before his birthday my brother and his family celebrated with him by hiking to the top of Hawksbill Mountain (elevation 4,050).

They carried cupcakes all the way to the top of the mountain to celebrate with dad.

Dad's real birthday was on a Wednesday, so we went over for dinner to celebrate. McKenna and Christian were so upset when they found out that we weren't giving PopPop a present that night. We had something planned for later in the week, but were just going to tell PopPop his present hadn't arrived yet. That plan was not acceptable so Christian and McKenna started to hunt around the house for their own presents to give my dad. McKenna found this toy saw and wrapped it up in a gift bag for him. When he opened it she declared "I got you that saw PopPop so when I come over here we can do projects together." Perfect!

Will loves his PopPop. He says PopPop's name all the time and gives him the biggest hugs. Anytime I mention Grandmom he always starts prattling on and on about PopPop.

She's always so helpful when it's time to icing the cake.

We went for a little swim.

Even Ryan got to be there :)

I just love....

 how McKenna is looking at PopPop

how Will is checking out the cake

how McKenna is wearing Abby's shirt that she left here even though it's too big
and then of course there's Christian's wild hair :)

Make a Wish!!

Celebrating PopPop wore the tiniest boy out.

The ride home was pretty quiet!

We planned a big surprise for my dad on Saturday. As Amy and I had been talking about what to do for my dad's big birthday she suggested that we buy him a kayak. He's wanted one for years. We looked into it and then got my mom on board too.

We wanted to really surprise him in a fun way, so we planned a big surprise at a local lake. I asked my dad to meet me there to help me keep track of the kids while we enjoyed the beach for the day. He agreed and he and mom arrived at the lake.

Ryan and I and the kids got there about 15 minutes early and we unloaded the kayak and Ryan and then the kids and I met up with my parents.

Christian asked PopPop to go on a hike with him around the lake and that gave the rest of us a good 40 minutes to get the surprise set up!

Abby and McKenna hiding from PopPop.

My sister and her family arrived a few minutes after PopPop and Christian headed out on their hike.

Ryan chased Will around.....

while everyone else was hiding.

Christian was doing a great job of getting PopPop around the lake.

I headed down the trail to meet them once they got close and as we walked back towards the lake....

everyone came running down the hill towards dad! Surprise!!!

He was shocked and had no idea what was going on!

So surprised!!!

Amy, Dad and Abby.

And then we showed him the kayak in the water. He got all excited because he thought we rented it for him for the day. He was completely shocked when we told him that it was his!

Nate with PopPop's new kayak.

Amy's family brought one of their kayaks, so Emma and Dad started to paddle around the lake.

We had a picnic lunch.

Then we played on the beach.

Abby, McKenna, Christian and Nate.

Oh how I love Nathan!

And Mimi loves her sweet nephew Will.

Will was "fun" to chase around the beach. I can just imagine how relaxing our vacation is going to be here in a few weeks.

Abby Girl

The weather was a little dreary, but it was still so fun to be together.

 Uncle Rob is quite the fisherman and Christian was so excited when he invited him to go fishing.

 Christian has decided that he LOVES fishing.

 Chrish and Sophie fishing.

 Christian has some pretty amazing beginners luck. He got to reel in a wide mouth bass.

 Christian's first fish.

 Amy and Dad kayaking.

 Charis and Emma kayaking.

 Will with his daddy.

 Will was worn out and fell asleep with Grandmom.

Dad and Mom.
Happy 70th Dad!!! It was a great celebration!