Well, our mother was going to be turning 70... and we had planned a surprise party for her... then her Dr scheduled her for a surgery (follow up from the 2008 mastectomy) we didn't know how well she'd be feeling and cancelled (downsized) the party. The week before, her Dr postponed her surgery! THE PARTY WAS ON AGAIN! THANKS to Lindsay for the plane ticket, DJ and I were able to be there!

We hid out at our sister Merrily's on Friday... while Merrily and mom were at a genealogy conference. FUN TIMES! Here's DJ and his cousin Allie (Lindsay's daughter) playing the piano!

THE SURPRISE... Auntie Katrina carried DJ in and Uncle Steve carried Allie in to Grammie's house... my mom was totally surprised!

We hurried, gave hugs, got back in the car to head to the YUMMIEST chinese restaurant ever! HOLY MOLY IT WAS YUMMY!!

We got our own private space in the back of the restaurant! Uncle Steve is swinging Allie in her high chair! :)

Group shot #1.

Group shot #2.

ME! Yes... I was there too! :)

Back and my parent's house... my niece Nicole was teaching Allie how to pop the plastic packing material! :)

Grammie had this DARLING rocking horse that Allie and DJ LOVED! It made sounds as if it was really trotting and neighing... CUTE!

DJ's turn...

Allie's turn!

Jeff, Katrina and Mom!

We put a memory book together of Mom's friends and family.... and a good friend, Nan Hunter, wrote a song of memories

about our mother to the tune of supercalifragiloustegespealadocious... and Nan told us that we had to sing this for our mom! So, without any practicing... I think we pulled it off pretty good! It was really funny... but the message was super nice... talking about how wonderful and talented our mother is. It's true... we are greatful for those memories and good friends!

THE delicious chocolate cake!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

My aunt Laraine (my mom's sister) with Allie and THE Chocolate cake! :)

My sisters Merrily and Katrina with our parents... and my mom's birthday present... her 'genealogy laptop'! :)

THE BOYZ! My nephews, JC, Trent, Alex and Tyler!

My mom's 1st Great-Grand daughter! Haydenne... Natalie's little baby girl!
YES, Merrily IS A GRANDMA! "Nana"

My mom with her sister Laraine and my cousin Nancy.

Grammie holding Allie, who has the CUTEST hairdo EVER!

Big Girl Allie on Auntie Merrily's phone...

Big Girl Allie wearing Grammie's shoes! :)
After spending an awesome time all day Sunday together with my mom, dad and three sisters... it was time to head to the airport Monday morning!


Here are Allie and DJ in the car... headed to the airport! DJ is forever pointing out any LIGHT he sees! He is fascinated by them!

On our way to the airport, we stopped by our dad's new dental office... yes, he is still working full time! He works for a dental company that he LOVES... and is an "Owner Doctor". The new way of having a dental practice! CHEAPER too!

Partial family picture at my dad's work!

DJ is showing his BURNED finger here. On the plane ride out, DJ touched an above-head reading light that was missing it's protective cover! BLISTER! OUCH! He was a champ about it though... hardly fussed about it. THANK HEAVENS!

LUCKILY, there was an empty seat next to mine... so I was able to bring DJ's car seat on the plane... YIPPE! Heading home to daddy!