Sur-PRISE!

My Dad's party was a smashing success and a complete surprise, as you can see by this photo. His was reaction was just as I had anticipated. I was choked up all day imagining his choked up expression when he arrived. He did not disappoint.

Since the party was at my parents' house, we couldn't do any decorating or have anything out of the ordinary on the premises. Anyone who knows my Mom knows this was no small feat for someone who cannot tell a lie of any size, shape, or description...under any circumstance...EVER! She managed to squirrel away some supplies around the house, as well as mine, and do some of the cooking right under his nose since he doesn't have a very keen sniffer, but the rest had to be done the day of between the hours of 11am and 3pm, when he left for the county jail for Saturday services and when he was expected to return home.

Charlie and his family had spent the night at our house Friday, unbeknownst to my Dad, so they would be here bright and early to help with all the last minute preparations. As soon as he left for the jail, Charlie and Jeff swooped in with a truck full of rented tables and chairs, a tent, and an extra grill for the festivities. Ruth and I worked all morning getting food ready at our house before reporting for duty at my Mom's to be her hands and feet.

Everything was set to go at 3pm. Most of the guests had arrived on time since we had moved the party up an hour from what was originally printed on the invitations. But wouldn't you know it, of all days, my Dad had three services at the jail instead of the usual two so that delayed his arrival about two hours. We managed to keep everyone entertained and appeased with food, and in the meantime a few more stragglers were able to make it in before the big moment of surprise.

Sixty-eight people were in attendance. It was hard to hide that many cars, so people just parked all over the yard. Since their neighbors are building a house he said he thought that maybe the cars belonged to the people helping them when he drove up. Everyone was waiting in the garage and sang Happy Birthday as he got out of the van.

The weather was perfect! The food was yummy! My Dad was happy! Good times.

The day was complete just shy of midnight when Julie and Jared arrived unexpectedly a day early. They couldn't make it for the party, but had planned to arrive today for a week stay, but came last night instead.

Click on My Photos on the right to see more of the party and of our camping trip. And if anyone feels inclined to wish my Dad a happy birthday on the 12th, please click here.