Age is Beauty!

One of my favorite people turns 80 on Wednesday. John William Schmale! This past weekend my family traveled to grandma and grandpa's house. As long as I can remember we have made the 14 hour drive annually. We argue some, sleep a lot and read books on the long drive. Mom has always read to dad as he drove all that way and fussed at him when his eyelids got heavy. He never would share the driver's seat.

Fortunately this weekend WE FLEW! I can only remember one other time in my whole childhood that the 5 of us flew together. It sure was easier to fly into St Louis, rent a car and drive only an hour and a half down to small (or should I say TINY ) Fredericktown, MO.

The occasion was magnificent! Surprising Grandpa with our arrival was our lofty plan. While he wasn't surprised (Grandma (who's got the flu) asked him to clean the basement bathroom "in case anyone came for his party and had to stay at their house"), Gramps was still excited to see us.

Incidentally, celebrating 80 years is a BIG deal in the Schmale family. Grandma and Grandpa hosted 70 guests in the quaint house that my dad and his little brother grew up in. With an open bar, a huge cake and catered appetizers my geriatric friends were satisfied.

I was greeted by dozens of strangers who remembered me from my childhood. The following are just a few of memories made.

My grandpa (front right) is the oldest of 10 kids. His siblings seldom see one another or talk each other for that matter. I was so excited that 4 of them made it to the party (front left is a spouse). Can you believe it? These are all SCHMALES!

Two of the Schmale brothers. These are my great uncles - Charlie and Bob. Boy did they tell me stories - tryin to rag on their big brother on his 80th birthday.

From left: Sister Rachel, Granny (mom's stepmother), Papa (mom's dad) - both also live in tiny Fredericktown, and way cool 16-year old brother Ben. Apparently Rachel didn't care that Granny had something real important to tell her.

The lovely Mark and Julie Schmale (dad and mom), back in their hometown 31 years later.

Rachel and Papa - I just thought this photo was too good not to post.

All in all - TERRIFIC WEEKEND! I sure do love family - especially the old ones. AND...I've promised to work on planning the first ever Schmale family reunion for Grandpa and his siblings summer '09. We'll see how that goes.

~js