I started thinking about throwing a party for him months ago, before Xmas. He threw me a fantastic 30th, so I knew I had to do it. The real planning didn't start until probably 2 months ago. I sent out the invites, and due to budget constraints, decided the party would be held at our house. Not a great time (financially) to throw a big ol' party, but you turn 40 only once, so what the hell.
I invited about 70 people, and about 50 came. Some friends took JP golfing that day, and of course they were in on the ruse. At 12:00 my neighbors, Ed and Mary, our friend Pat, and my parents descended on the house and went to work. Another friend, Susie came over at 2:30 to also help. The rental place dropped off tables, chairs, heaters and the bar at 1:30 and the food was delivered at 4:45. I needed a lot of help in the backyard, which was where I figured the majority of the party would take place. Toys needed to be removed, patio furniture needed to be moved, patio needed to be blown off...it's turned into one big sandbox, it seems. I also hired two girls from Chili's to bartend and serve and clean up. That was the best decision I made! I was actually pretty relaxed considering all these people were coming over SOON. Maybe it's having Zach or maybe it's being prego, but my attitude was, "hey, I've done the best I can. If I missed dusting somewhere...oh well." Really, all people care about is good food and cocktails, right?
My friend, Amy came over around 4:00 and took Zach back to her house to stay with a babysitter for the night. That worked out well. The pool fence was taken down so the yard was not kid safe, at all.
The boys came home at 5:30 and yelled surprise! I think he was honestly surprised. Later, he told me he thought I would do something at some point, but he did not expect it to be THAT night. We even busted out the kareoke machine and you couldn't pry that mike out of SOME people's hands! No mentioning any names....Dad, Mary, Pat, Susie....ok, me too. I didn't even have the "I'm drunk" excuse. Sober kareoke...who AM I?
Ok, now for the pics.
Kelley and Julie
Jim, Donald and me (they were part of the golfing crew)
Surprise!!
Waiting for Jeff to come in (out of order...oh well, you get the idea)
Linda and Raul (Chili's people)
Dave and Robin (high school friends)
Daniel and Leah (Chili's)
Mom and Dad
Kareoke! I apologize for any ears I may have caused to bleed.
Me and Jeff
Pat, let go of the mike!
Jeff and JJ (he didn't need to go the babysitters)
Jeff's parents and new grandbaby, Aspen
All in all, it was a great time. Food was awesome (thank you, Stonefire), drinks were great, so I hear...I did cupcakes instead of a cake...I figured it would be less hassle and those were wonderful, I can attest to that.
Happy (now belated, but repeated) birthday, Jeff! Hope you had fun!
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