Surprise!

Last Saturday we went to a surprise party for Darin's Grandmothers
84th birthday!

We have been so blessed by Grandma's influence in our lives.
She is truly remarkable.
She has raised 7 children, has 22 grandchildren and over 30 great-grandchildren!

Playing on the DVD player during the party were the home video's Grandma took of her children over 50 years ago. On them were memories of Christmas's with the train around the bottom of the tree and bikes for everyone, trips to the Salt Lake temple, days at the beach, kids in the bathtub, kids playing in the yard, birthday parties, vacations to Disneyland and really every memorable event of her children's lives.

I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for this wonderful woman, the devotion she has shown her family and for the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she has been to all of us. It was so inspiring to see her on those videos holding her babies, playing with her children at the beach, holding their hands as they walked around the temple grounds and doing all the things a young mother does.

Darin's Grandfather was killed in a plane crash when Darin was only a year old, so we have never known him. To be able to see Grandpa Salmon interacting with Grandma and their children in those home movies was just so touching. I am so thankful for these priceless memories Grandma and Grandpa left for us to enjoy and remember them by.

Grandma has spent years documenting all the events of her life. She has dozens of scrapbooks, with pictures from every vacation, every grandchild's wedding, baptism, and baby blessing. She loves her family, and I am grateful for the memories she has preserved for her posterity.
She is such an inspiration to me.

This picture turned out really blurry, but I just loved this moment when Grandma walked in and all the children rushed in to give her a big hug.

4 Generations
Grandma, Scott, Darin & Lauren

Happy 84th Birthday Grandma!
We love you!