Thursday, June 2, 2011

Run, Grandma, Run!

Anyone who is related to or acquainted with my grandma Julia Barrett can't help but be completely inspired by her. It's no wonder my daughter is named after her. She is and has always been one of my heroes - and it's not just because she has run 139 marathons. If I had to choose one word to describe her, it might be colorful. Everything about her is colorful, from her clothes and home decor to her personality. She is creative, brilliant, unique, artistic, faithful, caring, funny, strong, and brave. And because we all love her so much, it was decided to throw a surprise party for her 80th birthday. What better way to celebrate than running together? (I have been running races with my Grandma since I began running in junior high school. These races are still the highlight of my summer. Last year Jonny, Grandma, and I ran a half marathon together. You have no idea how fun it is to shout, "Go, Grandma!" as this beautiful, tan woman with striking white hair crosses the finish line.)

So on her birthday weekend, much of my extended family met at a park near her Logan home in matching blue t-shirts (which my talented sister Elise designed) to surprise Grandma with an 80Y 5K. And was she ever surprised. She laughed and cried and exclaimed and cheered. Then we all ran. It was perfect, I think. See for yourself:
This is a picture of only my family with Grandma. I don't have one of the whole group, but I know someone's camera snapped one. Anyone know where that picture is? I'd like one of the whole crowd, as it was pretty big!
Jonny loved playing with Baby Penny, as she and Lili were in town from Maryland. (We loved see you two.  Thanks for surprising us all with your visit!) 
 Allyson + Julia + Todd = Awesome
 Sweet picture of Todd and Gma:
 This is older and wiser Sawyer (Gabe's second cousin, I think?) telling Gabe that it is not a good idea to eat Mommy's keys. So fun to get these little cousins together.
 My cousin Ben organized a vacuum buying for Grandma. She was so excited to try it out!
Julia, looking cool. Jonny thinks her sunglasses are ridiculous. I think they are fabulous.

8 comments:

Drew said...

YAY, I knew someone of us had the all-Grahams picture! Thanks for posting it, now I can blog about this epic event too.

Anonymous said...

We were so sad to miss the party and run. I'm glad it was so fun! You guys look great in your matchy-blue shirts!

Woods said...

Oh my goodness, there's not enough words to describe how amazing grandma is. I love her and I have loved her since the day I met her. She is absolutely wonderful. I bet she loved having you all there to run with her. Your kids are amazingly beautiful. How about some park picnics this summer? Oh, and Gabe in the video below is crazy! He is such a little smartie! I am very impressed!

Emily said...

Juju's glasses ARE fabulous!

That looks like a blast! We were there is spirit, and the babies looked so cute in their little blue shirts. Way to go, organizing and executing such a great surprise! And way to go Grandma, for being so inspiring and colorful!

Janice Graham said...

Great report. And what a great job you girls did. Although I had the stressful part! Keeping the surprise!

Sarah said...

I only met your grandma a couple of times - but she is amazing! So nice, creative, and I can't believe 139!?! marathons! Woah.
PS - Julia's glasses are fabulous - you can tell by her pose!

Savannah and Braden said...

Such a fun idea! I love seeing your grandma running around- she really is an inspiration, I would love to be like her one day :) You all look wonderful!

Cami said...

I am not IN that picture! Oh well, the rest of the peeps are.

I think Uncle STEVE has the picture of everyone. Argh.