There was back-and-forth on the location -- Mom and Dad's home or a restaurant? Though we knew it would be more work and more complicated, we really thought a party at home was more suited for Dad's personality and would just be more fun. Dad's birthday fell on a Saturday, which was perfect. And, Buck agreed to keep him occupied on the day of his birthday so Mom could get ready for the big night.
Because Mom had very little time in her house to set up for the party without Dad around, we knew we had to keep the food simple. We went with Mexican food (one of Dad's favorites) and had the main course catered while Mom handled the rest. And though Mom can make a mean cake, we ordered the cake as well.
Buck, Fawn and my brother took Dad to the hunting camp the night before his birthday and planned to bring him home straight to the party. Buck and my brother even convinced Dad to bring a change of clothes to the hunting camp so they could come home straight for dinner. Dad was under the impression we were having a family dinner at my house to celebrate his birthday (so I could put the boys to bed and stay up to celebrate). He requested fish tacos (so I'm glad we went with Mexican food!). While they were at the hunting camp, Buck told Dad that Small Fry was having a rough day with his ears (we've basically had an ear infection since Christmas poor thing!) and that his mom was going to watch the boys so we could change locations to Mom and Dad's house. He totally bought it!
Family (including Dad's sister and brother-in-law from Tennessee and Mom's sisters and brother-in-law from Kentucky) and six of Mom and Dad's closest couple friends gathered and waited for the birthday boy to arrive. True to form, Buck pulled up right on time. (I texted my brother so many times during their drive in for a status I thought he was going to kill me!) They pulled into the driveway and came up the stairs -- first Buck, warning the gathered crowd he was not the birthday boy, then my brother, doing the same, and finally after a restroom stop Pops!
Surprise! He was shocked. Do not let him tell you otherwise. His only "clue" he said was that the pool table in his basement was all cleaned up. Ha!
How cute is this! When Mom and I had the brilliant idea to throw this little party, Pinterest gave us this idea. We spent one weekend in January going through old photo albums and scanning pictures. Then we edited, cropped and printed about 100 in black and white for use on this super-cute "60" that Mom made and for Mom's centerpieces.
All of the flower arrangements also had pictures. (Check out the wedding picture from 2003.)
My precious sister-in-law (who manned the video camera) and one of my aunts (who made margaritas all night -- and ran around all day picking up the cake and food).
The birthday boy, his daughter-in-law, and his sister and brother-in-law (who helped my mom get ready all afternoon -- I had Small Fry so was not much help the day of!).
Dad and some of his buddies; these guys have been friends since college.
Mom bought sparkler candles for the red velvet cake (family folklore goes like this -- when the FDA threatened to outlaw food coloring, Dad stocked up on red food coloring so he could continue to make red velvet cake for his lifetime).
Mom and my sister-in-law's mom. These two are such good friends!
I didn't want my other aunt to feel left out :). Seriously, though, she made some amazing sangria that she transported from Kentucky for the celebration -- it was a huge hit!
Great work Mom -- you did a fabulous job! Love this picture.
These three Auburn guys also worked together for years.
Buck and my brother were so proud they pulled off the surprise.
My sister-in-law helped out on the home front.
Thank you, Buck, for helping make Dad's birthday so special.
Dad got two sentimental gifts from the family. One was a photo book that Mom and I put together from all the pictures we scanned. Plus, Mom sent an email to family and friends and we gathered special birthday messages and memories that we included in the book. I hope it's something Dad cherishes forever. I was laughing and crying reading all the funny stories that people sent in.
The second was a video set to music that my brother created from all of the pictures. It was awesome -- and we had it playing in the background for most of the evening.
How cute are they!?! (Dad, you've got ten months until Mom's 60th -- we've got to start planning!)
Happy Birthday!
We got you!
We love you!
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