Diana Petterson Family, Travel Notions

Celebrating 60

It was my daughter, Sydney Wells’ idea to throw me a surprise 60th birthday party. I do realize that turning 60 is a milestone and I was actually okay with that. But, what I wasn’t okay with was a party. What can I say? I just didn’t need or want one…or so I thought until I was happily, tearfully and completely surprised.

It was just supposed to be lunch with the Divas…the 19th Century Patchwork Divas, my quilting stitch group. But instead, it was a surprise of family, childhood and adult friends…and yes, the Divas.

I was so overwhelmed. I just couldn’t believe all these incredible people came together to help me celebrate turning 60. I am absolutely blessed.

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Still have the ability to blow out the candles as I celebrate being 60 with family and friends. (March 12, 2016)
4The Divas 3-12-16
These are the Divas…the 19th Century Patchwork Divas.  These talented quilter sisters include…from left, Ann Jernigan, Betsy Reed Chutchian, Ramona Bailey Williams, Jean Johnson, me, Carol Staehle, Annette Plog, Wanda Hetrick and Marilyn Mowry. — with Ann Jernigan, Betsy Reed Chutchian, Ramona Bailey Williams, Jean Johnson, Annette Plog and Marilyn Mowry. (March 12, 2016
5Extended family 3-12-16
Extended family who came as far as Kansas City include from left Marcia Young, Carol Wells Malone, Sheila Cooper, me Robbie Malone, Cristin Blunt and Rhonda Young Lewis. — with Carol Wells Malone, Sheila Cooper and Cristin Blunt. (March 12, 2016)
9The friends 3-12-16
The incredible women who make up my group of close friends include from left: Valerie Davis, Marion Marshall, Sheila Cooper, Jean Johnson, Elizabeth Todd, Darlene Joseph Jones, Bonnie Davis and Sherrie Moran. Marion thank you for the great photographs. — with Valerie Davis, Marion Marshall, Sheila Cooper, Darlene Joseph Jones, Bonnie Davis, Bonnie Davis and Sherrie Moran. Not sure why Debra Hall isn’t in the picture, but she certainly belongs in this group. (March 12, 2016)
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On the left I’m hanging out with my Mom, Carmen Petterson, my longtime friend Sheila Cooper, my aunt and godmother Gloria Gomez and my childhood friend from New Orleans, Darlene Joseph Jones. (March 12, 2016)
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My daughter-in-law to be Chrissy, my daughter Sydney, me and my Mom. (March 12, 2016)
Me and my mommy. (March 12, 2016)
Childhood friends who came to surprise me for my 60th, continued celebrating with me. Jeanette to the left and Darlene to the right. (March 14, 2016)
Thank you Sydney, Mom, Marion and Sheila and everyone who contributed to my wonderful birthday surprise. And, thank you Jason Surbey for the gorgeous flowers. Turning 60 and retiring after 28 years at the U.S. Department of Labor feels good. Bring on the travels! (March 15, 2016)