Papa and Nana O'Donnell: August 2011

Ginny & I decided we didn't want to do one of those

over the hill birthdays for Dana's 50th -

she is just too much fun for that sort of thing.

So we simply decided to celebrate Dana with a

South of the Border party!

Lunch was a taco bar, chips and guacamole, Corona

and margaritas - you know - all the traditional

birthday food.

This picture is of my lovely sister and her

equally lovely kids, Jake and Jessica.

A small disclaimer before you view the next picture -

in a completely stereotypical fashion we decided bushy

black mustaches would indicate this was a South of the

Border party and we wanted the family shot to fit . . .
Dana was the only one who got a sombrero tho!

We start growing facial hair early in this family

Think we stand a chance at the local

singles bar????

You know how it is so great when all the little ones

cooperate - you're so proud of what a great job you've

done as a parent or grandparent and then . . .

reality rears its' ugly head and the truth is out??

We really did not know Dana was taking a

course in Ninja!!!

Actually Ginny had hung up a Piñata but Dana

did not reach her 50th BD without getting tougher and she

kept whacking it hard enough to send it flying. As you can

see we all rushed to help her hang it back up - 'cause

that's how we roll!

The kids found it

easier to hit on the ground with Uncle Pat's help.

Funny - Caleb LOVES hitting his sister!

VICTORY!!!

Back inside for some cuddle time with Sam -

he had shaved while we were outside.

Jessie's birthday was right around the corner so

we included her in the celebrating - she's pretty

cool too.

Steph & Audrey getting some 'Sam' time

Pat & I had flown down so after the party Gary, Ginny and

Madison gave us a lift back to the airport. I could be

seeing a future pilot here . . . .

The next day we also celebrated Pat's birthday but

since his wasn't a 'Decade' birthday all he got was

presents and one crummy fruit trifle. That is what

happens when you stay 39 for 28 years!!

Happy Birthday to Dana, Jessie & Pat - you are

all pretty special people!!

June 12th (Sunday) Lindsey & John both graduated with their PhDs. I was able to attend and flew out Friday and spent the evening with Shane, Christy & Alex. Alex had a pattern she had developed to make owls out of construction paper. She has made dozens and I have one of my very own living on my fridge.

We had a wonderful time sharing carry-out and wine (just carry-out for Alex). The backyard (as always) looked amazing and the arbor was beautiful. Saturday morning Shane and I drove to Malibu to meet Tyler. The three of us had a great lunch and then Ty & I headed north hitting an incredibly overpriced antique store on the way. They did not see the humor in my offering to write a check for a $28,000 table!! I'll stick to my rural auctions.

I was thrilled that Jackson and Natalie had NOT forgotten me in the weeks they had been gone. It took Natalie a few minutes to warm up but that happens if you leave the room for a minute. Ty, Jerilyn and I walked to a local park with the kids. In the picture below Jackson doesn't trust Dad not to hit the gas on the bike!

I LOVE this picture - didn't realize it when I was taking it but it is the quintessential 'father' pose. 'I'm going to let you try this on your own but I'll be here watching to catch you if you fall' All children should be blessed with fathers who feel this way!

Do you think Roger and Cherie were happy to see the kids back?? This is not a pre-school - this is their backyard. It is a shame these kids aren't loved by a LOT of people.

Sunday morning we met up with John & Lindsey and Tom & Kay (John's folks) at church. Ty, Jerilyn and Jerilyn's folks all attend this church. This is also where John & Lindsey used to go. We love getting a chance to attend when we're in the area. Great people and a great message. Ty has gotten very involved. This is a sneaky 'Mom" shot during a praise chorus.

On to the graduation!! Scheduled for 4 p.m. on the campus of U.C. Santa Barbara. The seating area was huge but John's family managed to snag seats toward the front. It was rather like sitting in a recliner since by our graduation time so many tushes had sat in the chairs the back legs were sinking. We all stood when the graduates started down the long aisle toward their chairs. Here Aunt Ann snaps a quick picture of Lindsey.

In this shot you can see Lindsey and Beth (her advisor) along with John and Carol (his advisor). I didn't realize the advisors are really thrilled when their students actually graduate since so many PhD students don't make it for the long, long haul.

I'm thinking John is pretty darned happy to have this done!! There were a LOT of smiles that day.

This video is Lindsey receiving her degree. As she is waiting in line you can see she is talking to someone - that would be John waiting in line further up the aisle. At first we were disappointed that they didn't get to sit together (Lindsey ended one row and John started another) but they were able to see each other walk across the stage so it was all good.

This video is John walking across the stage and Lindsey being congratulated by two of her brothers. We had to hand it to the 'name reader'. This is large university with students from all over the world and she never missed a beat. John said it was the first time she had seen most of the names. I'm afraid I would have just handed the mike to the student on some of them!

Alex kept herself entertained.

I was so glad she could go with us.