Memo Turns 100! Trip to Oklahoma

On Friday, January 17th my mom, Kristina and I set out on an adventure to Oklahoma to help celebrate my Great-grandmother, Memo, turning 100!! This was to be a big family reunion as well as birthday party. I mean, how often does someone turn 100 (and be in good health!)? Not that often in my experience. Definitely something to celebrate!!

From Birmingham, Alabama to Oklahoma City is about 705 miles. Supposedly an 10 hour drive, but with my bladder and stops to eat and stretch it took us almost exactly 12 hours. Not bad for that trip. I'm an awful passenger, so I ended up driving the entire stretch. It was by choice, I turned down Mom's offers to help. She knows how I am so she was fine with it. :) We had great company, a lot of music, good conversation, and perfect weather. Thank goodness it wasn't rainy or snowy. OKC is known to get a blizzard this time of year, so we were concerned we wouldn't be able to make the trip. But Mother Nature cooperated nicely and gave us clear, sunny skies the whole weekend. It was pretty windy so that made it a touch chilly, but overall it was very nice.

Let the road trip begin!! (Mom was hidden in the backseat)

We got in a little past midnight Friday evening and my cousin, Heather, was already checked into the hotel and passed out. We woke her up with our loud banging of luggage and excitement, and we were happy to say hello. It was so great that Heather was able to room with us. She moved to Colorado a little over a year ago, so the quality time with her was much needed. We unpacked, settled in and got a good nights rest. Cut to Saturday morning, the big birthday and party day!

The party was held in one of the open rooms at the assisted living facility she is in. Mentally she is sharp and strong, but physically once you get to 100 things just start to go. Despite her age, she really is in great shape and spirits. She looks great and is such a character. You would think after 100 years someone wouldn't be quite as funny or entertaining, but that is most definitely not the case with Memo!! This woman could star on a comedy show.

 We were able to get 3 of 4 cousins and the 2 original brunettes!

Mom and the birthday girl

Luckily there was a professional photographer taking photos, but those haven't been distributed yet.

For the next two days we did family get togethers in the breakfast room at the hotel most all of us stayed at. We counted it up and we had 55 family members from I *think* 7 different states. Talk about a lot of people that love that woman!! She has 21 direct decedents, not even counting nieces and nephews and such. She is responsible for a whole slew of wonderful people. We were able to meet cousins we'd never met, visit with those we never see, and spend a lot of quality time with loved ones. It was such a great trip, and memories for a lifetime.

Just some sisterly cuddles between events.

Lake Hefner in OKC

Skateboarding lessons. Because why not?

4 generations! Memo, Nanny (my grandmother), Mom, and her girls

Great grandmother, Grandmother and grandkids (missing 1 :( )

After a great weekend of family, fun and lots of talking, it was time to return. We made it back in 12 hours again (I drove the entire trip again :) and got back into Birmingham the evening of Monday, January 20. It was so good to see family and as always, hard to say goodbye. However, we made memories and cherish the time we got!