We all went to her favourite restaurant for dinner

Terena and Paula went all out to make this event memorable

Ellen's new Family Ring holds the birthstones of her daughters Paula and Terena and her grandchildren Andrea, Johanna and Andrew

Everyone had a fabulous time

Thanks to Michael and his staff for all their efforts

Off we went the very next day to Henry and Heather's

Henry prepared delicious meals. What a treat!

What a great chance to relax and chat

Croquet, crosswords or cards anyone?

Now if you could just move that one branch over to the other side.....
(an inside joke)

More croquet, crosswords and cards?

How could you not relax here?

Before we have to go...

There's just enough time for...

FIREWORKS!!!

Many thanks to Henry, Heather and Karla

Back at home we had a Party

What a day!

Andrew's Tribute

Anyone who has had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with my Grandmother has hopefully realized two things, the first being how strong a person she is and the second being how darn good she smells. But there is a great deal more to the 96-pound treasure. She's compassionate and loving towards animals and kids, she's also very active and full of energy, which she used to wipe up at the croquet and ping-pong competition just this past weekend. My Grandma is also a fighter. My mom and Auntie Paula grew up without a father figure, or at least a physical one. My Grandmother showed her two girls that in a time of desperation and discrimination she could achieve anything. This is what I believe has led both my mother and Paula to be as successful and well off as they are today. Gram was the housewife, where she was not paid for her duties, and the economic supporter. In my eyes she was a 'Super Woman'. She had the tough task of being the emotional and economic supporter. She had no choice but to be both parents, something that was extremely uncommon and difficult at such a crucial time. She made enough money to feed, clothe and put a roof over the heads of two growing girls. As tough as it was for her she made time for her girls in-between her daily chores, responsibilities and jobs. From this she emotionally supported her two children as well. Just by looking at where they have ended up today it's evident that my Grandmother did an excellent job of just that!

Perhaps the greatest thing that my Grandmother has ever taught me is to respect and to treat others the way that you want to be treated. She 's taught me what being a true friend is all about. Any of you who have had the pleasure of knowing or seeing me as a child can understand the constant stress and hyperactive roller coaster that I created for my family. Constantly in and out of 'time-outs', groundings and punishments, I knew, when Gram arrived, the Dual Alliance was soon to emerge. What I mean is that when my Gram arrived she was quick to defend me whenever I seemed to stir up trouble with my parents. She'd cover for me by saying, "He's just excited because I'm here!" or "Don't worry he's just a kid" and my favorite of all time, "Come on Terena you weren't the best behaved child either!" But just like the good friend who's there to back up his best buddy, my Gram was always there to set me straight. After she settled down my parents and magically got them relaxed in the family room, she'd take a trip up to my room for what she called "chit-chat". She had a way of making me want to be a better person, and that 's something that no-one will ever be able to take away from me. Gram you have been an unbelievable supporter and friend to me, you have taught me life lessons that have made me a better person. I hope that I can further adopt your teachings and your calm and collective persona as I head into adulthood. Some of my friends are embarrassed to admit that they like hanging out with their grandparents, but not me, I look forward to every minute we spend together talking about your triumphant past and the bright future ahead. Ellen, you are more than just a grandmother, you are an eternal burning flame that will forever burn inside of me, and I am proud to call you my grandmother and great friend.

Gram I wish you a wonderful birthday with the hope and faith of many more quality times and visits spent together. Hopefully these "chit-chat's" will be in a better context from the last. If I can teach my grandchildren half the things that you have taught me, their lives will be much better off. Gram I love you and wish you a very Happy Birthday!