The fun began on Wednesday. My sister, Suzanne, flew into town-My brother, Dave, rode his bike. We met up at my home and then travelled the 25 minutes to mom and dads. We walked up their walk, rang the doorbell and waited. She said she was quilting and when the doorbell rang, she looked and said to dad, "that looks like Suzanne, and it looks like Dave is with her". She opened the door and couldn't believe the three of us were standing there!! Surprise!! Don't you just love it when something goes the way it's supposed to? The fun had officially begun. We went to dinner that evening at Tia Rosa's--yummy food--great company.
The next morning Suzanne and I secretly decorated the clubhouse in mom and dad's neighborhood for a surprise celebration planned for later that evening. We arrived mid-morning at mom's and fixed a delicious brunch for the five of us! Then we just visited until mid-afternoon when we made a trip to Ted's hot dogs for a late lunch. Paul, Shauna, Natalie and Robbie met up with us for dinner, wished grandma a happy birthday and went on their way. I'm sure mom thought that would be the last she would see of them. We went back to mom and dad's and soon dad suggested that we go for ice cream . We left, but instead of driving to Cold Stone I turned into the clubhouse. Mom was hesitant to go in, but when she saw the grandkids, she couldn't resist. It was so much fun. All the grandkids (except Mark who had to work) and all the great-grandkids who live in the valley were there as was their group of close friends. She was surprised to say the least. We had a little program which included a musical number by her friends celebrating their friendship, a slide show that Skye put together with pics of her life intermingled with birthday greetings from her family(made Suzanne and I cry). It was priceless. Suzanne and I sang a silly rendition of Happy Birthday, grandkids shared favorite memories, and the great grandkids polished it off singing 'Families can be Together Forever'.
It was a great party and we all enjoyed it---the best part was that it was such a surprise to mom. Thanks to everyone(especially Skye) who helped with various parts of the night.
Friday morning we showed up at mom's to take her for a pedicure! We were all so relaxed when we finished and our feet felt so clean and good! Nothing like a good pedicure! Then we went to lunch at Paradise Bakery. We never lacked for food--haha! The afternoon brought a trip to the pool where we lounged, relaxed and soaked in the sun. That evening found us eating (again) at my home. After our swim, Suzanne and I put together a dinner that was fit for a king-or in this case a queen. We sat for hours eating and talking. It was such a good time being together-no hurry-good food-good conversation.
It was a whirlwind few days. Thanks to Dave and Suzanne for taking time to come. Thanks to dad, family and friends for keeping it a secret. And a special thanks to mom for having a birthday worthy to celebrate like we did.
Mom--we hope you feel honored and loved.
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!!
