Over-the-Hill?

This year I turned the big 4-0!

On the morning of my birthday, I woke up early to find this.....

Yes, the "Over-the-Hill Birthday Fairy" had struck!

It was such a cool surprise and my kids went crazy over it too.

Thank you Birthday Fairy... whoever you are!

Next, I went to breakfast with some friends. We enjoyed good food and even better conversation.

When I arrived home there was a note on the door telling me to knock before coming in. After knocking it took several minutes before the door opened and I went in to discover more decorations.

The kids had quickly done their Saturday chores and decorated the house.

Chores done quickly... one of the best gifts ever don't you think?!

Even Nibblet the hamster, got her spot decorated. :)

That evening, Jason and the kids made dinner; bowtie pasta with chicken, peas and alfredo sauce. Then I hurried to Sister Beck's broadcast. After the broadcast, I opened presents and we had rootbeer floats for a treat.

Sunday evening, family came over to celebrate. Each family brought a yummy treat to share... some of my very favorites!

We enjoyed birthday treats, until we had a sugar buzz... well, at least I was buzzing. :)

Next, we played a trivia game. Jason asked each sibling/couple to come up with several questions about me. He asked the question, I wrote down my answer and then the group decided on their answer. They knew me quite well, I must say. Dean/Candice had to remind ME at what age I received my first bra.... 11 if you're curious.

So is 40 really Over-the-Hill?.... I feel more like 40 and FABULOUS, to tell you the truth. :)

Ira turns 40!

After our Father's Day fun, we headed to Smithfield, UT for some more partying...and surprises.

I made this lollipop bouquet for Ira's b-day.

Ira, Jason's very good friend from highschool, is turning 40 in August. His wife wanted to celebrate and surprise him, but didn't want to throw big party. She asked if our family could come visit for a few days, without telling Ira.

Ira's brother Jason Crawford (and family) were coming to visit that week too (from Alaska). Jason and Jason were also very good friends in highschool. Our family visit was kept a secret from Jason Crawford too... so lots of fun surprises.

For the remainder of this blog post, my Jason will be referred to as Jay and Ira's brother will be referred to as Jason. It can get sooo confusing. :)

When trying to figure out when we would make our surprise entrance, Nicky (Ira's wife)mentioned that they would be spending some time at her parent's house, for a Father's Day dinner on Sunday. My brain went into party, surprise mode and started thinking... what if we came while they were gone, decorated and brought a cake too? Wouldn't that be so fun? Nicky liked the idea. She offered to get the cake and decorations, if we would sneak in and decorate while they were gone.

Nicky and I kept in touch by texting.

When we arrived, we parked our van down the street, so Ira wouldn't notice an out-of-place Idaho vehicle, in front of his house. We snuck in the house, gathered all of the fun luau decorations and went to town decorating. My kids had so much fun being sneaking and decorating.

When the house was decorated, I texted Nicky. She said they would be on their way shortly. I started getting nervous, anticipating the surprise.

When we heard the garage door start opening, we got into "position". I knelt behind the couch, with my camera aimed at the garage door.

When Ira walked through the door we yelled, "SURPRISE!" and I snapped a picture. He jumped back and let out a yelp. We definitely got him good.

Later Ira told us that as he walked through the door, he thought, "Who is in my house? And why are they pointing a gun at me?" When he saw the flash of the camera, he was just sure he was dead. No wonder he yelled and jumped. Poor guy. We could have given him a heart attack with our little surprise. :)

We all hugged and reacquainted the kids, as they took off to go play.

It was so nice to see everyone again.

As we visited, we had yummy sandwiches and snacks and waited for Jason and his family to arrive.

Jason, Becky and family arrived later that evening. We were introduced to all of their kids (8 total with one on the way)... not promising to remember and keep all of their names straight for the next 2 days. :)

We ate cake and ice cream and hung out on the back patio for a lovely evening.

Happy (almost) 40th Birthday Ira!