Brad's daughter, Janell points out some of the signatures on a quilt Linda made. Some folks who could not be in Bismarck like our son Reed were sent small blocks of cloth to write a greeting on. Once the open house festivities began, Anna took charge of the quilt and had guests sign it as they came into the kitchen. The quilt now hangs in the hallway where Brad is reading birthday cards posted there.
Firemann's cousins, the Hansen sisters [and two spouses, came from Minnesota to extend their best wishes. Note the gift in the center. We guessed it was a plunger, but NO.
Turns out it was a Norwegian bird feeder. I don't know if Firemann will put some coffee in it along with the bird seed.
Long-time family friends, the Hugelens from Velva, Minot, and Bismarck, posed for me. Audrey, left, delighted Pam and me by playing organ at our wedding 30 years ago.
More than 150 people came by to greet Firemann including former governor Art Link. The Schlickenmayer and Olson families shared some of the plentiful chili Brad made for the occasion. "I had a hard time holding back the tears," Firemann said when the afternoon was over. On Sunday, Janet and Lyndon Olson joined Brad's family, Pam, Mere, her friend Trevor, and me for brunch at Apple Creek Country Club. It was a fantastic weekend.