A Weekend of Surprises...Celebrating Keith's 60th Birthday!

While Jessica and Andy were home for Christmas, Jess and I talked about the possibility of having a small celebration for Keith's 60th Birthday, January 17.  She booked her airline ticket at that time to come home with Brooke for the weekend, arriving on Friday around noon and departing on Sunday afternoon.  We decided we'd keep it a surprise for Keith.  (Boy, was that hard!)  Then, she put a plan into action.  After numerous emails, phone calls and text messages her final plan was confirmed.

Friday, I was making a birthday treat for Keith's class.  Friday morning, he said it would be good if I could bring them to school around 1:00 or 1:30.  (This plan worked out perfect, as I would pick up Jess and Brooke from the airport and then we'd make our way out to school for surprise number 1!

About noon, I packed the treats in the car and made my way to the airport.  I was SOOO excited, I could hardly stand it!  (Even though we had just seen Brooke at Christmas, it was so nice to be able to spend time with her over the weekend with her and her Momma.)

When we arrived at school, he was in his room alone.  His students were at physical ed.  The look on his face was priceless when he saw Jessica and Brooke!  That made his whole weekend!  At first look, Jess said, "SURPRISE!!!"  (So, we figured that he would think that was his birthday surprise.)  We spent some time with the kids and of course, Papa wanted to show off his beautiful granddaughter to the other teachers.  Brooke was so good the whole time and really seemed to enjoy all the kids.

Brooke looking like such a big girl on Papa's lap

Brooke looking at all the kids

Brooke and her beautiful Momma  

Brooke with Papa in his classroom

After we visited school, we took Brooke home so she could take a nap before going out to Logans for supper.  Keith had mentioned that we would eat at Logans for his birthday dinner.  However, Jess told him that she had made reservations at the B.O.B. for dinner for his birthday instead. So that was the plan to get him to the B.O.B.

Saturday, January 17

The big day had arrived.  Our plan was for Jess to take Brooke to her friend, Karley's to have her baby-sit so she wouldn't have to be at the party the whole time.  Then, Karley would bring Brooke to the party after we ate.

Our family and friends were to arrive by 5:00 p.m. Then, I would bring Keith down to meet Jessica for our dinner for 3.  (hehe)

Here's how things went:

SURPRISE!!!!!  Happy Birthday, to you!  Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday Dear Keith, Happy Birthday to you!

Paul, Tom, Mary, Patty

Birthday cake and cards/gift table -- Lovely food table below

All of Keith's siblings were here: Sue, Ray, Judy B., Keith, Rollan, Marsha, Ken, Judy W.

So very excited they were all able to be here.  It was a huge surprise for Keith and really meant a lot.

Lovely food table

Jim, Marti, Gary, Steve, Pat

Ilene and Mom

Deb, Dan, Dennis, Brad

Marsha, Dennis, Melody

Happy Birthday, Dear Keith!

 Opening his present

Birthday shirt from Ken and Judy

 Papa and Brooke

Great Grandma with Brooke

Brooke with Grandma

 Brooke with Great Aunt Judy B.

 Great Aunt Judy W. with Brooke

 Ray and Great Aunt Sue with Brooke

 Dennis and Brooke interacting

Great Uncle Ken and Great Aunt Judy with Brooke

We were so blessed to have our family and friends join us to celebrate Keith's life.  We give thanks to the Lord for blessing us with great driving weather so all those who came from across the state were able to get here and back home safely; Dennis and Melody and Mom also had good driving, but rain going back.  Thankful for safety for everyone.  Thanks everyone for coming!

Jess certainly put together a wonderful evening of celebration, for which we are grateful for her love and thoughtfulness that she put into the planning.  Thanks so much, Andy, for allowing Jessica and Brooke to be able to come and celebrate Keith's special day.  It will certainly be a very special memory for years to come!  We both loved being able to spend the weekend loving on your girls, Andy.  Thanks so much to you both for planning such a wonderful evening. We love you both so much.    

With grateful hearts,

Dad and Mom