It was very last minute, but my brothers and I decided to throw a surprise 30th anniversary party for our parents. Since we had just about 2 weeks, there wasn't enough time to send out invitations so I had to call everyone. Then when it was getting closer to the day, I called some guests who hadn't responded yet.
I also took on the role of planning and preparing the food for their party, since one of my brothers is out of state and the other is still in school and working. It seemed like a lot to do, but I kind of like this sort of thing!
And now for the elaborate plan: I got my parents out to the house by having them "help" around the house, as we are preparing it to go on the market. My brother was already coming into town that weekend, but I needed to come up with a way to keep him here longer, for the party. As it turned out, he was just going to stop by our house on "his way back home". My other brother just so happened to have a school project that he needed to work on, but really he was running to get a few things before coming over to the house to help set up.
And the twist in the plan: My brother was to let us know when they were heading this way. The idea was for them to take two cars; my brother in one and my parents in the other. However, that was not the case. My mom decided to ride with my brother. I guess that would have been okay, but my dad had to stop for gas. So as it turned out, my mom was surprised first and then a few minutes later my dad was surprised. I'm sure they thought something was going on by the amount of cars on our cul-de-sac, but I don't think they recognized very many as friends or family members vehicles.
In the end, we pulled it off! We had a good amount of guests come, given the short notice. Even my aunt and uncle from out of town came up for this. That meant alot for my mom to see her sister here, even if it was for just a couple hours! Hopefully for their next surprise party or any party in general, we will have a little more time to prepare.
Serving the cake.
Getting ready to give each other a piece of cake, just like they did
30 years ago!
Only this time my mom smeared the cake in my dad's face!
Emma got to lick the icing off of my mom's fingers.
And here it goes...right into his face!
Cutting the cake.
Posed for a picture.
Some of the family friends.
Some of the family enjoying the beautiful weather.
Emma and Katie
Grandma and her girls
Dessert table
My dad chatting with the family friends.
Scott
More family friends.
The cake.
And he was just as surprised.
Now my dad's turn to walk inside.
My mom giving hugs to Grandpa.
And in comes my mom.
She was totally surprised.
Her hands were really shaking.
Speechless.
My mom giving Uncle Tom hugs.
Michael keeping an eye out for the guests to arrive.
The icing stained my dad's mustache.
My parents, brothers and I
Same picture only adding in Michael
Mom and Dad with Greg
Mom and Dad with Scott
Me with Mom and Dad
Mom and her sister
Mom and Dad
Dad still talking to some of the family friends.
Our Grandmas chit-chatting.
Reading some of their cards.
Opening gifts.
Michael and his Grandma
Some of the people who stayed to watch my parents open their gifts.
Grandma and Grandpa
A nice plaque they received.
My mom opening the gift he got her.
It's a pearl and diamond necklace.
