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My Grandfather’s 70th Birthday Party
Abuelo Sotero enjoying the Party
After our mini-vacation to Naples, we went to Hialeah, Fl for my grandfather’s 70th birthday party. I wrote in May about wanting to capture photos of my grandfather at his birthday party. I was definitely able to do that.
The Sign for Our Section of the Park
We got to the party way before my grandfather (it was a surprise party) so we could help set up.
The table decorations
Cassandra playing baseball
While we waited for him to arrive, the kids played baseball. It was very fun to see them playing because the equipment was just so large for their tiny frames. I took some time to try and capture some of that fun childhood innocence.
Kenny and Alex playing baseball
As he approached, he had no idea the party was for him. Here he still hadn't quite figured it out.
Finally figuring it out, he turns to my grandmother who was in on the plans
Kenny runs up to greet him
And is enthusiastically received
The emotions begin to overwhelm.
Hugs began between family and friends
Dan's most dominant genes come from his grandfather. They look almost exactly alike in photos of our grandfather when he was a kid.
A very common sight with my grandfather
My grandmother and grandfather dance
And dance...
Dan was using my fuji camera to film the proceedings since my dad's video camera was busted
My uncle Raul and his wife, Amy dancing
My grandfather enjoying the Punto Cubano - a form of Cuban freestyle singing about the guest of honor commonplace in the countryside.
Another portrait enjoying the party
One of the Punto Cubano Poets
The other Punto Cubano Poet
Here is the, admittedly lo-fi, recording my brother made of the Punto Cubano. Be forewarned if you know Spanish, there are some dirty jokes here so determine whether or not your kids or bosses should hear this.
Punto Cubano for Sotero Mesa from djotaku on Vimeo.
No Cuban party would be complete without a game of dominoes
Contemplating his next move
I was so happy that I attended this party. I got to catch up with family members I hadn’t spoken with in ages. I got tons of photos of my family, especially my grandfather. And it was great to be there to see my grandfather’s face when he realized the party was for him. I think that moment will be with me for a long time.
Shuffling the dominoes
Related posts:
- Grandfather
- A pretty short post: Family and Distance
- My grandfather
- Dina’s Tiki Party 2009
- Spotlight on Dina
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