Grandma Lois's 95th Birthday

On September 18, 1925, a very wonderful thing happened for the world!

Laura Lois Stratford, Roger's beautiful mom, was born!

Of course, despite Covid, her very large progeny celebrated this momentous occasion!

Her party was on her birthday and it worked out great for us - Sadie's wedding was the day before,

and we were Up North for both occasions.

Like mother, like son!

This wonderful woman has been like a second mother to me. 

She has patiently taught me how to do so many homemaking and mothering skills 

through 53 years of our marriage - even learning to crochet left-handed so she could show me. 

Alas, I was hopeless with that one, but throughout all of these years, she has been my Ground Zero 

for reference, consultation and unfailing love!

Lois really looked forward to the celebration!

We sent her this beautiful arrangement - pink is her favorite color!

Our five kids and spouses came to Utah for the wedding and all drove to Ogden the next morning 

to visit Grandma and have lunch with her.

Stacy and Tom brought us all favorite salads from Kneaders.

We wore masks, but took them off for quick pics with her.

We didn't get pics of each couple, but here are a few.

 

Jedd and Missy

Ryan and Emily

Do you see the resemblance?

Tom and Grandma

At lunchtime, we got to have Lois almost to ourselves, before her other kids, grandkids and great-grandkids came.

We took a picture with all of our kids and spouses with Lois, except Jeff, 

who had to work that day.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, more of her loved ones came to the party.

These are just some of the 131 blood progeny, not to mention all of the spouses!

Happy Birthday, dear Grandma Strat!

Lois's beautiful kids!

Add in the spouses!

We stayed with Rick and Jodie through Saturday night, drove back to Ogden to have, "Come Follow Me," 

with Grandma, Chyrrl & Glynn and Susie & Craig on Sunday, ate, then drove to Patty and Hal's 

and stayed over Sunday night. 

Throughout this Covid time, almost every evening before the sun goes down, 

Blake and whoever can go, drive to the Bountiful Temple for a "Temple Walk".

Blake asks for one every night and we got to go on one with him Saturday night.

Isn't this a gorgeous pic Roger took of the sun going down?

Patty cooked a yummy hamburger for us Sunday night, then Sunday night and Monday morning

 into the afternoon, I edited her book that she put together on Grandma and Grandpa Peterson. 

It is truly a labor of love and it will be so wonderful for all of us to have.

We arrived back in St. George Monday evening, and got take-out of a "burger 'n fries" 

to toast Adam's birthday anniversary.

That's a big action weekend, especially during a Pandemic!

We are so happy and grateful that we could join these special celebrations in our family 

and continue to be safe!