70th!

After Owen's DCYOP Orchestra Concert Mom was expecting us to go up to Katherine & Lee's for a small family dinner celebrating her birthday and Elaine's birthday.  Unbeknownst to her, Don and Katherine had been busy getting ready for a massive 70th birthday surprise party.  Katherine had been busy for months getting the house ready, including converting the car port to a conservatory in case the endless rain continued, and Don quietly invited 70 or so of Mom's closest friends and somehow managed to keep the ever inquisitive Mom completely in the dark.  All we had to do was keep her out of the way and unsuspecting until everyone was ready for her.  That meant going back to the house after the concert, and mysteriously taking our sweet sweet time getting everything together to drive up to Katherine's.  Eventually we got the call, and we were on our way.

When we pulled into the driveway, Katherine, Lee, Don and Dad were standing there with a big 'Happy Birthday! Sharon' sign, and mom was tickled they went to the effort to print a big sign.  Then Jill appeared, and Mom was stunned that her best friend came all the way from Missouri to surprise her for her birthday.  Then the rest of the crowd started slowly coming out of their hiding places, and mom was overwhelmed with happiness.  Great job everyone, I'm not sure how we'll ever top this one :-)