Surprise Birthday Weekend

It was last Wednesday that my oldest, Lyndy, celebrated her 30th birthday. She had instructed us to not make a big deal about it, so other than a couple of signs in the neighborhood, we did not. That is until Saturday. Several weeks ago Dan had contacted us to see if we were willing to open our house for a surprise 30th birthday party. He also asked if we could see if her cousin Heather could make the party. That set in motion the planning for a surprise party.

Terri first contacted Lyndy to see if she wanted to go shopping the Saturday following her birthday. Nothing suspicious with that suggestion since this is how Terri and I birthday gift our daughters. Lyndy lined up her mother in law to watch the grand kids while she shopped with her mother. We immediately let Lyndy's mother in law in on the plans so she would know not to expect the kids.

Next, contact was made with cousin Heather. Lyndy and Heather are near the same age and have always been very close, so the surprise plan started to come together when Heather agreed to fly in on Saturday and back out on Sunday. Next was the food. I spent the day a week ago Saturday barbecuing a brisket, 3 slabs of ribs, a pork roast, chicken and hamburgers. Only the brisket and 2 slabs of ribs survived the week without being eaten, but that was enough for the party.

The day arrives with no breach of secrecy. Dan is supposedly working all day into the evening, so if Lyndy were to suspect a surprise party, Saturday would not be the day. Terri and I leave around 9:30 AM to pick Heather up at the airport. The flight was right on time, so we head directly for Lyndy's house, where Lyndy is expecting her mother to pick her up to go shopping. We arrive and head to the front door while Heather lags behind us, out of sight from the front door. I knock and Lyndy answers. "Sorry Lyndy, but your mother is not able to take you shopping today. Luckily we found a substitute". Assuming her mother was sick or some other similar reason, Lyndy looks disappointed. Then she notices movement off to her right as Heather walked up the sidewalk to the front porch. He disappointed look turns to confusion, and then a huge smile. Here is the shot I caught at that moment.

A gifted photographer I am not. Lyndy and Heather spent the afternoon shopping and hanging out like in times past. I am sure they both enjoyed the time together and away from their normally hectic lives. I enjoyed the moment she realized that the afternoon with Heather was her 30th birthday gift. I can't think of a gift that would have been more memorable.

Later that evening, friends and family gathered at our house to celebrate the birthday. By that time, the surprise element of the party was gone due to a couple of whispering children, but that was no longer a big deal. Earlier in the day we had orchestrated a surprise that was completely successful.