Family Tree

This weekend I had the opportunity to sit and talk with my Grandma and Aunt Mary about family.  We looked at old photos and my grandma told stories.  I love listening to her talk about her family.  I never met my biological maternal Grandfather Russell, her husband, as he died when my mother was a teenager.  I've always wondered about him...what made him special, what kind of man was he, who resembles him in the family, etc.? 

He was a very handsome man, with dreamy green eyes.  My mom got the eyes.  Apparently he had a boisterous laugh that everyone could hear if he was around...I definitely got that laugh, as did my aunt and many of us in the family.  He was a kind man, patient, and never boasted.  I think I would have really admired him, had I known him.  And he loved kids.  His life may have been too short, but I like to learn about him to keep his memory alive.  I know that my grandma, mom and aunt loved him dearly. 

Here he is with my mom in 1950.  My mom was probably almost 3. 

I also learned that my Grandmother's grandfather's name was Olie A. Olson.  Seriously?  I love that.  That is the Norwegian Olson family from my maternal side...not to be confused with my last name that is the Swedish Olson family from my paternal side.  Gotta love the Scandahoovs.