Happy 100 Birthday, Aunt Rowena

This weekend we celebrated Aunt Rowena's 100th birthday! I have always adored Aunt Rowena -- all her life she has been a vision of health and spunk. This dear woman could always outtalk anyone, except perhaps my grandmother. I think the birthday party wore her out, and I'm not sure how many people she recognized, but to me she is still amazing, and oh my gosh 100 years old! I was so very happy to see her again, along with so many of our family.

Looking at this picture, it's pretty clear where I get my remarkable good looks... Let's hope I also have her remarkable everlasting genes and live just as long (my grandmother lived to be 98, also very impressive). I've always known that I look more like Aunt Rowena than I do anyone else in my family, including my parents, but this picture makes it seem remarkably clear. Oh hey there, my boys hiding in the background!

And here's more of the clan -- we're all looking at different cameras, as is our way. We also continue to be known as the Loud Family, as proven by the many grandkids running around making noise. This was the only picture not to turn out too dark, so it's the winner.

As there should be at any big family reunion, there were beautiful young ones around! This little girl knocked us all over with her smile. Except in this picture, where it's blocked by a plastic thing...

It seems strange that just a week ago, we laid to rest Rowena's baby sister, Virginia. I always remember her as a quiet, gentle woman, perhaps because her louder sisters were always so much more vocal. And she was so very beautiful and kind. Rest in peace, Aunt Sister.

And to my sweet Aunt Rowena, happy birthday! I love you!