The Circle of Life!

Sue Cornwall brought over the clip from the Church News with Helen's 100th birthday greeting - I had sent in the info for them to do it, so I was glad to see it got there!  

I left the page sitting on my desk, and later Harry told me "See the man at the bottom, Elden L. Ord, well, he was the first president of the Covina Stake, which was formed in 1956.  And my mom was a member of that stake when it was taken from the Pasadena Stake in '56."

I'm pretty sure that when Helen sat in the meeting forming the new stake she wasn't thinking that in 59 years she'd be sharing billing with the new Stake President on the Centenarians list!

But it is a nice coincidence I think!!

Helen turns one hundred - let the party begin!!

I can't say that I've attended very many 100th birthday parties - I've attended exactly one now!!  And that was the one we held for Helen on September 5th at the Lemon Avenue Building.   

A few caveats and disclaimers before you peruse this post:  Doug Teeples was the camera man - and he forgot his camera.  So he used mine.  And he took a lot of photos.  But he didn't take some photos I might have taken - he was busy doing the many "group" shots that were requested.  So if you're wondering why there are not shots of the set up or decor or food or Polly, it's because Doug is Doug - and not me!!

But we thank him for the many great shots he did take!

 

For example this great shot of Harry, Barb, and the Terrills with Helen.  It was a real treat to have all our kids in one spot at one time!!

 

Noah is always happy to be with Grandma - and he often helps with her transport and care - and we appreciate that!

 

Hannah was enjoying her time too.

 

As was Bonny!  Harry, Eliza, and Phoebe enjoyed it too - but I didn't tell Doug to take a photo!

 

  

It was my idea to take an in-laws - famously called "The Outlaws" - photo - after all, none of this posterity would exist without us!

Chuck Taylor made an appearance after battling some extreme traffic.  Jack and family came too - but once again I didn't tell Doug to take a photo!!

 

From the minute she heard about the party, Emily was on board.  "I can get a 5 generation photo!!"  Those don't happen often!

 

Phoebe, Amy, and Hannah - it was pretty fun to see all the cousin love going around!!

 

My favorite part was not being in charge - so I could sit and eat and enjoy!!

 

John and Gloria Wilson came - so great to see them - John is Harry's cousin - they hadn't been together since 1991!  John is from the Terrill side - whereas the Taylor's are on Helen's side - in case you don't know that!

 

Helen made off with Chris' hat I think - and it does become her nicely!

 

Francis was his charming self!!

 

There are grandkid photos on Instagram and FB - these are a portion of Helen's 57 great-grandchildren!

A wonderful time was had by all!!  If a 100th birthday party is in your future, I'll be glad to lend you my banner!!