Today is Jacob's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Jake! He and Grandpa Jean have been friends for a long time. This picture was taken when we lived in Duesseldorf, Germany. Jean was on a European trip,  and came by to visit.

When Jake and John did their epic bike ride from Kentucky to Utah five summers ago, Jean met them in Missouri as he was driving east back to home from one of his trips out west. They thought he would be with them just for a few days, but he insisted on accompanying them for the whole trip until they got to Utah. He was a big help. One thing he did was bring them food and water on some of those long stretches of 70 + miles a day in areas where stores where few and far between.

Nurse Aide

Jean's nurse aide, Becca, is wonderful. She is incredibly cheerful and congenial. Jean tells her that it is a highlight of his week when she comes.  Recently as she was leaving, she told me that he almost made her cry. He told her he appreciates her help, and that he will miss her until next time.

Unfortunately, Becca's work situation is changing, and tomorrow will be her last time with us.

Happy Birthday, dear Aunt June!

Happy Birthday To You! With love from your brother, and all our family!

We wish you a delightful day, and happy days ahead.

Remember when you and Lee came to visit us in Switzerland, with Jean and Delpha? You both were so kind and gracious. What a fun time. Happy memories.

Jean at left, his sister June standing; with our family at home in Switzerland

"Grandpa, the Traveler"

Some fun pics of "Grandpa, the Traveler"

by train, in Switzerland, about 1985                      

                                               by Vespa, in Provo in 2005

                                          by handcart, at Martin's Cove in 2005
                                     

by boat, in Switzerland in 2012

by cable car, in Switzerland in 2012

             And in a red convertible, ten years ago on his birthday. He had come to visit us, and we took  an excursion to Georgetown, Kentucky to tour the Toyota factory and showroom there.

Mail from The White House (thank you, Julee!)

A Grand Celebration

The poster is from friends at church

I'm happy to report that Jean's 100th birthday celebration was very, very nice.  Everything went beautifully,  It was spread out over three days, so he was not overwhelmed with seeing too many loved ones all at one time.  

Jean's expression says it all.

The main party occurred on the afternoon of his birthday. Twenty family members were present in our home.  It started with friend Roy coming over with his guitar and singing a couple of country songs to honor Jean, including the song he wrote just for Jean's birthday two years ago. 

We rolled the birthday boy out into the upper walkway so he could see and hear everything going on below.  After the other songs, Roy led everyone in a rousing rendition of  'Happy Birthday to You', and then paid tribute to his friend Malcolm. (That's how Jean introduced himself here, and it's what most people call him.) Jean waved.

        Later we took a family photo (will add )

       In the evening, everyone went to dinner at a restaurant close by.

        We sang 'Happy Birthday' to Grandpa again, and saved a slice of cake to take home for him.
     
         It was a wonderful day we all will remember a long time. Thank you, everyone!

Getting Ready

Jean's hairdresser, Pat, is  kind  to make house calls now, since Jean cannot go out anymore.