The photo below is what our house looked like well into the evening on my birthday. My husband organized a reverse surprise party for me this year and it was so much fun! Around dinner time, just as I was starting to make pizza (yes, somehow Ryan worked it so that I was making my own birthday pizza dinner?! He's a good attorney! =) ), the doorbell rang. I answered and it was my sweet friend and neighbor, Joanna, with her husband and son, and she was holding two dishes of food. "Are you coming over for dinner?" She smiled and said, "I think so!". I love surprises, so I didn't ask too many questions and just let it play out. Over the course of the next hour, more and more people showed up with all sorts of delicious food! I told Ryan it was a bold move inviting friends over at the end of the week without telling me . . . who knows what sort of state our house (or us!) is in by Friday! Thankfully my husband knows me well enough to trust that my love for birthdays, surprises, and having people over surpasses my concern for the random toys left out and un-vacuumed floors. I was humbly blessed by everyone who came out to party with us.
friends from teaching music together, church, and neighbors
a blurry shot, but I loved getting to include the kids in the party - they were as surprised as I was!
the girls had their party dresses on already and didn't even know it =)
Patricia made a delicious chocolate mint pound cake
My dear husband, who loves me well . . . such a fun night!
And then, as if the surprise party wasn't enough, I got to slip away for a trip by myself. Last year I went to Arizona for my birthday and it was too good not to repeat - thank you, Ryan! Phoenix is about the only place you can get a cheap ticket to fly direct from Minot. And it just so happens that a dear friend lives in the area! So I flew down to stay with Kenan and her family for two nights. We went on a few walks, packed a few boxes since they are moving soon (well, she packed and I talked - oops!), and talked as much as we could to catch up! I was grateful to soak up some warm sunshine with her, and meet her youngest daughter.
Jessie had planned her own get-away at the same time, so she picked me up on the third day and we hit the town of Tucson together! The next two days were non-stop talking with activities thrown in and pauses only for bites of
delicious food.
Don't let this picture fool you. She creamed me at ping pong while we were waiting for our food!
Having grown up in the area, Jess knew about some great local spots, including this shaved ice place and a disc golf course! Talking and food. And talking about food. That about sums up our time together. =)
The trip was the perfect combination of time to be alone, time to be with dear friends, a break from normal responsibilities, extra sleep, and sunshine. And when it was over, despite being the last one to board the plane, I really was ready to go back home. I only wish I could have brought the perfect weather with me!
