Dad's Retirement Party

My dad retired on Aug. 31 after a lifetime of working in various capacities. It was a highly anticipated event; he had been counting down the days for the last three years. My mom hosted a Disney-themed retirement party for him at their house since he loves Disneyland. Everyone wore Disney clothing and contributed toward a trip for my parents and their friends to go to the Happiest Place on Earth next month!

One of the many areas of Disney decor around the house

The guest of honor and amazing host: my parents

Cheers! Pam toasting the newly retired man

Dan and Sam rocking their Mickey shirts

Aunt Patsy and cousin Dru

Amber and Zach

That's water in the cup people

Tinkerbell herself, Mardee

Ty doesn't look too disgruntled at being forced to wear a Mickey shirt (with girlfriend Lauren)

Eating Mouse-shaped nuggets and popcorn

Mom and Uncle Bob

You get in a lot of pictures when you visit from out of state

Not-so-baby Blake!

The lushes

Robb chatting it up with Bob

Getting ready for the big presentation, my mom's gift to Dad

Reading the hilarious children's book all about Dad's life

Zach's gift to Dad: a plaque that he had made, since my Dad's work didn't present him with anything

Fun in the grass with cousins

Cole, Riley and Ava

It was a great time had by all, and we're enjoying all the free time my dad has now that he's a retired man!

Hodgepodge, Pt. 2

Since yesterday was the unofficial end of summer, today seems like a good day to post all our remaining summertime pics. These are in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent (obviously.)

 

Riley helping Daddy build a new filing cabinet

Learning how to hammer

Stopping to look over the edge of the trail at the river below on our Labor Day hike

Trying on Daddy's hat

"I'm going to make these leaves crazy!"

Waldo of Where's Waldo? fame recently had an anniversary. To celebrate, Robb created a "Where's Riley?" scene. Not really, but that would have been a great thought.

Fresh out of the bath

On our way to Folsom Lake for Mommy's birthday

Playing with cousins at the lake

Enjoying one last pool party with friends before school starts

Having fun painting at a local art studio

The group, at the art studio

Matt's wedding

We had such a great time with Robb's family during Matt's wedding weekend. Matt, Robb's brother, married Tamsin in Beaverton, Oregon (right outside Portland.) It was Riley's first plane flight and first time meeting some of Robb's extended family members.

We had a wonderful dinner the night before the wedding.

Riley had so much fun with Grammi!

This girl loves her some Uncle Matt!

Riley meeting "cousin" Lizzie ... actually Robb's cousin April's daughter, age 3

Robb's grandpa "Papa" with Addison, the newest addition to the family (cousin Jennifer's daughter)

The next day was a beautiful ceremony and reception.

Riley was soooo excited to wear her party dress. She asked to wear it every day for a week leading up to the wedding.

Family shot ... 3 1/3 of us

Matt awaiting Tamsin's arrival

The blushing bride and her father

The captive audience. Robb was readying himself mentally to hand over the all-important rings burning a hole in his pocket.

The vows. Almost Mr. and Mrs. Holmstrom!

Grammi let Riley try on her corsage. Riley loved it!

Grammi, Papa, and Nonnie (Robb's mom and grandparents)

Riley can't get enough of Grammi!

The Holmstrom fam: Robb, his dad Jack, brothers Bill and Matt, and mom Lesli

Hangin' with Robb's cousin Chris and son Peter (almost 2.) Another playmate for Riley at the wedding.

Besides the great family time and amazing wedding,  we also got to enjoy some of what Portland/Beaverton had to offer. We visited a huge park with a great kid's playground, and an unbelievable Farmer's Market that puts SLO's to shame.

But alas, all good things come to an end ...

Riley finally noticing the planes outside ... on our departing trip

State Fair

Last month we took Riley to the State Fair. These pics don't really need any explanation ...