Reunion and 80th Birthday Surprise

I went to Atlanta for Pat's birthday on Aug. 3 and stayed an extra week. I knew many of the kids would be there for a reunion, the first one for many attendees. The reunion was a success and was enjoyed by all. While everyone was there Pat decided to celebrate my 80th birthday, also making it a surprise. I had never had a birthday in August and never had a surprise birthday either. I had no idea it was coming, though looking back there were clues, clues which I missed entirely. Is it nice to fool an old man? Pat did as much cooking as she used to do when everyone was younger. She needed a thorough rest after everyone left. I had not seen some of the great grandchildren before and they are all delightful. Their mothers took very good care of them. Amanda came with Mathew, who is a pleasant young man, and it was our first encounter with him. He is a chess player and played a few games with any who desired, while he won most, he did not beat his grandfather, Scott. The great grandchildren loved the big pool. They all wore the "floaties" on their arms and nearly all will make the leap of riddance in the near future. Jon Pierre and Mathew shared with caring for the little ones in the pool. We have one "night owl" in the family, Ryan. He stayed up every night after all had gone to bed. He is working up a resume for a job as a night watchman. Sean mentions his drive from Knoxville but we had others that had much longer drives. Tarren and Pete came from Chicago, as did Duane and Rebecca. Dawn and Kelly drove from Milwaukee, and Amanda and Mathew came from Orlando. Mark flew in and out from ?? We alternated eating venues from our house and Duane and Debbie's house. Both places were able to accommodate all that came by carrying folding chairs from place to place. Robert was able to join us in eating a few times, always after a bike ride of 25 to 100 miles (keeps him thin). Amber displayed a boyfriend a few times, he took most of the group pictures. Between our three places we had room for everyone, Cheryl took most that did not fit in the condo. Those that were missing were Mark and the five Hoeksema kids. Also missing: Cheryl's boys in the Air Force, John and Danny, and Karen's husband Steve. Sean has given a lengthy description of the time that he was there and I refer you to his blog for more details. It is my understanding that he has posted some pictures on his Facebook. I will admit that Karen, Sean and Ryan are better tennis players than I am. I hope Jerry does not read this.