you know how some grandfathers are “grandpa” to just about everyone? well, that’s how mr. greenlee is to me. technically he’s my first cousins’ grandfather, but he’s like a grandpa to all of us kids on my dad’s side of the family. one of the things i like most about mr. greenlee is that he smiles easily. with as much life and energy he has, you wouldn’t believe we were celebrating his big 80th birthday last weekend! the colorful fiesta was held at east cobb park up in marietta, georgia. as i pulled up to the pavilion, i saw that everyone stayed true to the mexican-themed event: the guys decked out in sombreros and the ladies looking pretty with flowers in their hair. there were chips with salsa and queso, live entertainment, and, of course, a piñata–what kind of a fiesta would it be without one?

i love this next picture of mr. greenlee. just goes to show how much of a kid he is at heart.

and this is my oh-so-adorable-i-just-wanna-eat-her-up little niece, ella:

remember faith elizabeth from when we did her two-year-old portraits last november? well, here she is lookin’ just as cute at two-and-a-HALF years old :).

before serving the birthday cake, there were a couple of surprise musical numbers by the grandkids: cousin michael and his wife samantha singing and playing the guitar, and cousin-in-law sabrina on the violin. it was so sweet to see them perform especially for grandpa greenlee.

the “birthday boy” (jim) with his lovely wife, fran.

and i leave with you cake. according to tita brenda, you can eat it, too!