A Special Stanley Birthday!

My dad, Glenn Stanley, turns 75 next week. WOW. Our family got together today to celebrate, and we had a blast.

My sister Lisa, her husband Dave and their daughter Kelsey picked up my parents and carted them over to our house this morning. We headed over to the Michigan Museum. Mom and Dad were there once, but Dad wanted to go again and spend more time reading about the things in there. The rest of us had never been, and we were impressed. What a great place. Randy and I are talking about going back and spending some more time there. It's right downtown Lansing, free admission, and free parking. What a deal!

OK, what are they pointing at, but, more importantly, what is this woman staring at???

After that, we headed to Okemos to have lunch at Gilbert and Blakes. Randy and I really liked it there before, but we just never seem to make it over there. Well, it was Saturday at 1:00, State was getting ready to play Michigan in Ann Arbor, and that meant the entire town was either at home or a sports bar. We had the whole place to ourselves! It was great.

We came home, and we had presents and birthday pie, courtesy of Sweetie Pie's in DeWitt. They have the best pie I've ever had, no kidding. They put Grand Traverse Pie to shame! They're a little more money, and of course they're in DeWitt, but I can't imagine ever getting a pie anywhere else after having their pie. We had carmel apple. coconut cream, and cherry/berry/berry. And, just to make sure we didn't go away hungry, my sister made these cute cupcakes with footballs on them.

We decided to take a family picture while we're all together.

Then Dave suggested that we take one like they used to in the olden days, where no one smiled. It was hard - we kept wanting to laugh. I love my mom in this one - she looks exactly like those women did in those old pictures!

Then, of course, since it's a national holiday (State v Michigan football), the guys hung out in front of the tv to watch State wipe the floor with that stinkin' blue and gold. Go green!

So, we had the day I know Dad wanted....the family all together, spending time at something that's interesting and doesn't cost a fortune, then eating until we can't move. For we Stanley's, that's a perfect day!

Happy Birthday, Dad.....we love you!