Mom's surprise party went off without a hitch; my sister Kathy brought Mom and Dad to the restaurant and she kept calling me because she was trying to find a way to stall; Mom was ready to go at 5:30 and they weren't supposed to leave until 5:55. I had my Aunt Linda to call to keep her at the house a bit longer. They arrived about 6:10, with some of the guests but it still didn't quite hit her what was happening. Then she walked in and saw everyone in the dining room. Here is a video - it's a bit wacky - sorry, too much commotion! But you see the look of surprise on her face and the instant tears.



Mom hit me twice in the arm; once for being "sly" and planning it and the second time for all the signs I made. Hey - I thought "70 and Still HOT" was great but I think it was "Older than Dirt" that bothered her.

There were 64 people who ate and 3 couples that came for a few minutes but couldn't stay for dinner. Two of them were Howard & Annette, my cat Ashley's parents first (they gave her to me because they moved to Turkey for two years) as well as my best friend Carol's parents; they were my second set of parents.


Patti and I decided it would be too hard to video tape everyone saying something to Mom since there were so many, so I brought a book/journal for everyone to write in. My project for yesterday was printing photos out to glue in the book next to each entry. I think it turned out great, but I discovered a few that didn't get to write in it. Next time they come by, I'll have them write in it next to their photos.

I sat with my nephews Adam and Travis, and Travis' fiance' Sara. We had some laughs but luckily no one heard what were were saying because everyone was laughing and having a great time. Then came cake time...and more tears.



After the cake was inhaled and people were starting to leave, Mom gave me a hug and said, through tears, "This is the best birthday I've ever had." That got to me but I held it together and told her she deserved it. Even after we got home, she kept saying, "I can't believe it." How awesome of a feeling that we could all do this for Mom. Dad had a great time too and I made sure he knew the party was for him as well since he wouldn't let us give him a party on his 70th birthday. We will have another big party this August; it will be my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

For more photos, you can go to my Flickr.