Here's my family at my dad's 80th birthday
celebration on Feb. 4, 2001(two days after his actual birthday) which featured
a music concert by various family members in his honor, and at his request.
This was the first time all of Dad's descendents had
all gotten together at once in over ten years--all seven children, twelve
grandchildren (plus one in utero), one great-granddaughter, and many in-laws
as well.
From the left: Eriberto "Fuji" Lozada, Rebecca Ruhlen,
Patrick Lozada, Laura Blecha, Brian Blecha, Alice Ruhlen Blecha, Matt Ruhlen,
Justin Blecha, Todd Ruhlen, Leigh Ruhlen, Jim Ruhlen, Ralph Ruhlen, Betty
Ruhlen, David Ruhlen, Rachel Ruhlen, Jon Ruhlen, Sarah Ruhlen, Nell Davis,
Duane Mellenbruch, Iain Davis, Paul Ruhlen, Laurel Ruhlen, Tom Ruhlen,
Christa Ruhlen (carrying Cassandra, born 18 days later), Chris Ruhlen,
Pete Ruhlen, Lisa Ruhlen
Dad still seems to know when everybody's birthday is,
even if he is likely to try a couple other relatives' names before calling
us by our own. I guess with that many folks to keep track of, a few
problems with nomenclature are to be expected.