Grandma Koch turns 100!

On Saturday Helen Marie Koch celebrated 100 years of life with her beloved family. We all gathered in Pleasanton to honor her journey. It was amazing. She is such a sweet soul. Still, at 100 years, the conversation starter, asking many questions and listening with care to the answers. She is known for the positive strength she has carried with her as she has faces life circumstances and, as a grandmother, for her unconditional love. We were all touched to be with her on this occasion and feel blessed to have her in our lives.
Brad's mom, Anne, had the house decorated in her honor. When I talked with Grandma I asked her how she was and if they had thrown her a party in her nursing home. She said "oh, honey, if they did I wouldn't remember". I laughed with her about that. She's lost some of her short term memory and here she is joking about it! I hope I can laugh about the things that happen to me as I age someday.
Grandma held Ava after asking Ava if she could hug her. Ava walked right over to her at the request and I lifted her to Grandma's lap. It touched me to see them together. 1 year and 100 years. Life is an amazing thing. Just to think of what Grandma has seen and what Ava will see... Here are some pictures of Grandma with her great grandchildren:
Grandma holding Caroline, 3 years.
Tabetha, 2 years.
Kai, 6 years

Ava playing with Tabetha and Kai, who were wonderful, gentle and so kind to her. I've never seen Ava play so nicely with other children than I did with these two!
Tabetha and Ava being silly together
Caroline walking her duck. "auntie Cassie, take a picture of me with my duck!"
Time to eat. Aunt Pat, Grandma's eldest daughter, prepared a delicious lunch. Croissant sandwiches and pasta salads.
Grandma's cake
Brad's Dad, Jim, sitting with Grandma as he said his blessing
The family gathered to read Grandma something that Anne put together. It was an outline of the historical events that she has lived through. They included: Wars, the Great Depression, Presidents, technological advancements, and silly things, like the first bikini ever sold in 1946 ;) Uncle Butch (her youngest son) is reading to her here...
Anne (M0m) reading to her...
Geoff reading to her...
Betty and Caroline snuggling and listening quietly

family listening (Grace, Brian, Tabetha, Rachel and Courtney)
Grandpa with Ava
Cass, Ava, Grandma and Brad
Geoff, Grandma, Caroline, and Betty
Grandma expresses her gratitude.

Time to say goodbye to Grandma. Ava was so tired so she is almost asleep in the ERGO.

Betty sharing a moment with Grandma.
A beautiful drive home with light pouring through cloud banks. It was a nice way to end the day and reflect on Grandma on the way home while Ava rested her little eyes in the back seat.

Happy 100th Birthday, Grandma. You are as special as you think we are!