The BIG surprise party

Friday was the party.  I woke up and the first thing I thought was today is the PARTY!  The kids and I finished cleaning the house and getting all the decorations ready.  We just had to kill time until 2:30 when Edith’s visiting teacher was coming to pick her up.  I got nervous when the out-of-town surprise guests called from Denver at 11 AM.  I gave them directions to the house and hoped they remembered not to come too early.  Luckily they took a very scenic route^[1]  .

Aunt Gail and Uncle Ted --surprise guests

From the time I woke up, time seemed as slow as molasses in January.  Once Edith was whisked away, time flew past at the speed of light.  We rushed to the party site and began decorating.    We set up tables and chairs, and learned a couple of things.^[2]  We hung banners, pictures, streamers and balloons.  Thankfully I had the help of my hubby, one of his brothers, his girlfriend, two of my children, and the aunt and uncle from out-of-town.  Since time was zipping along, I looked at my cell phone and was astonished to realize it was past 5.  I raced home to shower and to the store to pick up the deli trays.  We quickly got Edith a surprise refill ^[3] and hustled back to the party.

Guest were arriving.   The gal who was bringing her called with the code “Feed the dogs” which meant they were five minutes away.  As she walked around the path and saw all of us she stopped and stared.

Entering the backyard

Everyone yelled Happy Birthday!  She grinned and giggled.   She sat down on her throne ^[4]  We pinned a fun badge on her

Aged to perfection!

and gave her the refill.

We visited and laughed.    Everyone wished her a Happy Birthday.  I forgot to eat but I hear the food and the cake were yummy.

The cake

I think we ended up with over 70 people.

The party was a success!! ^[5]