Happy Birthday, E.J.!

Tomorrow is the 96th birthday of Susan's grandpa, E.J. (her dad's dad). Susan's aunts arranged for a few family members to gather this afternoon at the nursing home where E.J. now lives, and we had birthday cake, coffee, and some baked goodies. Susan's grandma, Laura (E.J.'s wife), is soon moving into an apartment in the building connected to the nursing home, so after cake and visiting, we all walked over to view the new apartment. It's new and very nice, and its proximity to E.J.'s home will make it convenient for Susan's grandparents to spend a lot of time together.

The girls were a big hit this afternoon with their great-grandparents. It's especially nice to see E.J. perk up around them, becoming more alert, enjoying their hugs and kisses, holding their hands, remarking on their resemblance to one another, and calling them "cute little guys." (E.J. was not necessarily known for this kind of affectionate reception to children in his earlier years.) It was a leisurely, family-oriented afternoon . . . and here are the pics to prove it:

E.J., the birthday boy

Susan's aunts Patty and Jackie (E.J.'s two eldest daughters) and her cousin Kathy (Patty's daughter) cutting and serving the ice cream cake that Patty and Buddy had made

The girls with their great-grandparents: Laura, Hillary, Abigail, Suzanna, and E.J.

A sight rarely seen: E.J. holding hands with a child! (That's Hillary, by the way, who also gave her great-grandpa lots of kisses on his forehead, stroking his head as though he were a pet golden retriever!)