Special Birthday Surprises!

On Friday, October 4th, I was a part of two very special birthday surprises!  Derek's birthday was on the 6th, so I surprised him with a trip to Denver to see one of his best friends.  I was hoping to surprise him just a few days before he left for the trip, but ended up telling him a month sooner.  It's a long story.  He & Evan only see each other a few times a year, so Derek was SO excited to get to spend a few days with him!  Derek flew out early Friday morning, and returned late Sunday night.  They golfed at a different course each day, went to a hockey game, did a lot of eating, went sight seeing and drank beer.  A perfect guys weekend! So glad he could have a weekend away from work and the kids & I.  It was a well deserved trip for him! Next time, it's going to be a couples trip because these picture he took are amazing!

My grandpa Harold turns 80 in November, but he and my grandma spend their winters in Texas so we celebrated his birthday a little early this year.  On Sunday, the 6th, we had an Open House celebration for him in Colman, but the birthday surprise for him happened on the 4th too!  My grandpa's best friend (and cousin) Curt passed away almost 7 years ago.  Curt and his family have always been extra special to all of us, so when we decided to have a special party to celebrate grandpa's birthday, I made sure Curt's children knew of the celebration.  His son Tim, who lives in Oregon, decided to come to SD and surprise grandpa!  It was such a fun thing to witness, and my heart was so full seeing my grandparents so surprised.  We all were so appreciative of Tim taking the time to make the trip to SD.  It had been 38 years since he was last year, so he enjoyed seeing my grandparents old farmhouse, how things had changed in Colman and reminicing about all the fun that Tim's dad and my grandpa had.  Such a fun weekend!

Friday evening, Oct. 4:  Grandpa answering the door to his surprise!    

He was so shocked that it took him a minute to figure out who it was!

 Grandma in tears.

 I think I finally impressed my grandparents with my much improved cooking skills!

Grandpa's Birthday Open House was on Grandma's actual birthday, so it was really a party for the both of them.  Love my grandparents SO much!

 My mom, her sister Karla, my grandparents, and my mom's brother Kelly. 

 Tim with the family!

 The community center was full of little ones running around.  There are lots of great-grandchildren, and more being born in 2014!

 Tim & I with my crew of boys!

 Brigs & Holdyn

 Bronx was full of smiles for his great grandpa.  It was so cute watching these two.  Bronx just kept cooing away!

 The boys sharing more cake!

 Aren't they cute!

 Grandpa & Tim

 Grandma & Grandpa took off for Texas the morning after the party, so the great grand kids got to take all the balloons off the tables & let them fly away outside!

 So much excitement!