coming to america

We just got back from spending almost a month in the US.  It was our first trip home since moving to New Zealand almost three years ago.  While nothing compares to the amazing scenery of New Zealand we were able to see something even more beautiful, family.

The main motivation for the trip was my grandmother, Norma Height Allred's 90th birthday.  Here are some photos from the party.  I am lucky to have such a happy, smart, friendly, beautiful, loving and story telling grandmother.
Some of the best things about my grandma, Norma Hight Allred....
She makes friends everywhere she goes.   I went to the same high school where she had worked 20 year before, and people still remembered her.  
She is smart and she knows it.  She has always known she was smart and she has always been proud of  it.  I love that she is a strong smart and confident woman who isn't afraid of sharing her point of view.
She can tell a story and go off on twenty-plus side notes and still somehow get back to her main story, even hours later.  It really is amazing if you can hold out long enough to hear the end of the original story.  I have sat in a room with her telling a story to more than 15 people and she kept talking while all of them eventually feel asleep before she got the the end of her story and she just kept on talking.
She always has a smile on her face.  She alway makes me feel loved.

Patty Kersee, Carolyn Guzman, Norma Allred, Leslie Gale and John Allred

Awkward Family Photo shot of all of my Allred cousins (and siblings) standing in age order- Aimee, Dennis Kersee, me, Gina Gardner, Andrew, Heidi Thompson, Loretta Monareng, Laura, Mike, Chris Calzada, Mary Young, Jordan Guzman, Leah Guzman

We even managed to get a family photo after Trent was nearly dragged to his death my Maya excitedly running away with a ballon tied to her brother's wist.

Trent fell in love with his Auntie Aimee....and her iphone.

My cousin Suzie even came.  Maya was trilled to see her other ginger cousin.

Happy Birthday Grandma!