Happy Birthday Great Grandpa!

by Kristi Van Dyk in


Great Grandpa turned 80 years old this Spring. Kayleigh gave him a trip to the Meijer Gardens with her as a birthday present. She was gracious enough to say that her baby brother (yet to be born) could tag along as well. We had planned to take Grandpa with the family in June. BUT, one thing led to another and it was the middle of August before we found a date that worked. The forecast was gloomy for Saturday (and it was certainly hot!) but the rain held off and we had a really, really fun (and very exhausting day). Steve and I enjoyed watching Kayleigh just LOVE the gardens. All the way from stopping to "touch" every "flower" to allowing her the freedom to walk/run/jump without being worried that she'd get hit by a car, or lost from our sight. She enjoyed it too. She also enjoyed asking Great Grandpa to carry as often as she could. I don't think he minded too much.

Here are some picture highlights:

[caption id="attachment_489" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Learning about the water pump"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_490" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Walking and talking with Great Grandpa"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_491" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Doing the bean bag toss"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_492" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Running with my Daddy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_493" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Playing in the fountains"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_494" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Benny and Mommy came too"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_495" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="I think it was a Happy Birthday"][/caption]

The full gallery of Steve's pictures from the day can be seen at: http://vandyks.name/pictures/index.php/Meijer-Gardens