Grandma is 90!

I feel like a reporter and that I have an obligation to get these pictures on the web as soon as possible for all to see, especially the family members who couldn't make it to Grandma's 9oth birthday extravaganza. And it was an extravaganza. I couldn't believe how many people were there. It is just a testimony to the fact that she is a very beloved woman.

We were not planning on coming to this. I had no idea it was this large of a gathering. Several (and I mean several) of Rinar's cousins stayed at our house here for a few days until the party today. They coaxed us into going. I didn't want to make an up and back trip. We had to go to church because Rinar was teaching Gospel Doctrine and then we had to drive back tonight because he has to work in the morning. But those charming cousins of his gave us the nudge we needed to make it happen.

Just as a side note here, you can really compare our house quite admirably with Grand Central Station. Isn't it nice to have a dear relative so close to the Las Vegas airport?

Which would explain why this morning Kehau, Beth, and Kimo came back from St. George to our house. They couldn't stay for the party but they did get to spend time with Grandma and do some fun things. They stopped by and Eli actually ran up to Uncle Kimo and gave him a great big hug. It was adorable.

Here is the first batch of Hawaiian saying Aloha, on their way back to paradise.

We made it up to St. George just in time. We had to stop at my Grandmother's house and pay her a visit. We were able to stay with her for about an hour and it was really nice to have that time with her.

After we polished off what was left of dinner, since we were the last ones to arrive at the party, they did a little program for Grandma Lillian. The four sisters started it off with some kind of song. I don't remember what it was, but that is probably because I am tired and I have two frantically hungry babies cooing at me in eager anticipation of the next bite.

Okay, actually I don't think I can blame it on my babies since one of them is being held in this picture. I am totally busted.

Alright, I was just really tired. But I am sure it was fabulous.

This is just a partial picture of all of the family that was here for the impromptu celebration.

This is Lillian's sister Marion. I don't know if I spelled that right, but it was cool that she came down for this. She even quoted Rush Limbaugh. I knew I loved her from the moment I saw her.

Dallin and Kawai sang a song with a Ukulele. I am not sure if he wrote the tune or not. I should have asked, but I was tired. Regardless, it sounded awesome.

Preston was impressed!

You see, Kenji and Monica. You did make it onto my blog!

Lyf, BJ, and Harry. Our cuz BJ even changed Harry's diaper. This guy was in the army. He is tough! Lyf has never changed Harry's diaper. I'm just sayin'.

Scrambling for the family photo. I was in the photo so I don't have a picture. But it was a little nutty. Julia didn't it make it because she was sleeping.

Rinar, Eli, and Grandma Lillian.

Her kids with their spouses. I was amazed that 8 of her 16 kids were at this party.

The paparrazzi. I think there will be a lot of versions of that last pictures. We have got it covered people.

Aislinn holding Jessica. Can I get an "AAAAHHHHHH!"

There you go...8 of her kids.

Do you notice that us chicks here are color coordinated? Cool purple gals.

These are the cousins that crashed our pad. Yep, all of them were at our house. I still have no idea how many it actually was. Maybe I will count it sometime...or maybe not.

In conclusion, I just want to say that I am truly amazed at this woman. I don't really know her that well, but what I do know is that she has created a legacy of wonderful people who love her dearly. She has led an incredible life full of sacrifice and love and raised children that have raised their own wonderful children, and so on. To the world, Grandma Lillian may not seem like much. But her influence truly has rippled across the globe.

I am reminded of the poem by William Ross Wallace...

Blessings on the hand of women!

Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,

And the sacred song is mingled

With the worship in the sky--

Mingles where no tempest darkens,

Rainbows evermore are hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

If there was ever a woman who has truly rocked the world, she is the embodiment of it. Oh that I may aspire to be such a woman.

Happy Birthday Grandma Lillian.