But it’s not my birthday.

It’s no secret that I love my family. My parents are a huge part of the person I am today. My sisters make me laugh. My family gets me– quirks, weaknesses, faults and all. They are creative, and industrious.  And they can keep a secret.  Like really, really well.  Because, truth be told, I am a little too perceptive.  Which can be great in some situations,  and really lousy in others.  Trust me.  So a year ago, when my mother teased me about a surprise for my 30th birthday, I told her that she wouldn’t be able to pull it off.  I was wrong.  Because who expects a party a full month before their birthday?

My oldest sister lives in Illinois, and a number of months ago, we got an email telling us they were planning to come home in June for a family vacation.  Paul and I and the kids were thrilled, and we started planning get-togethers and photo sessions, and dinners with ‘just the adults.’  Great!  ‘Couldn’t wait. I had no idea that Melinda’s family was coming out because of my birthday.  So we designated Friday night June 4th for dinner at my sister Kara’s house.  I skyped her and offered to bring shrimp cocktail and she was all about it– Kara: “Great! We’ll do apps first, and then have Hawaiian chicken, I think.”  Me:  “Yum!  Hawaiian chicken is my favorite!  Sounds good!”  Mmmhmm.  Unbeknownst to me, I was helping to plan my own party.

It was like something out of a magazine:

Kara made the paper lanterns, and the flowers were from Katie’s garden.  They were all beautiful.  Paper signs and decor from Colleen and Kara, I think. And the flourless chocolate cake from Melinda and cheesecake from Katie= delicious.

Here are some pictures that my sister got from our arrival.  Um, I was surprised.  And then emotional.

Thank you to Paul, my family and dear friends who were there that night.  It was the best non-birthday ever, and makes the upcoming 3-0 look not so bad after all…

These are some of the most influential women in my life.  My mom and 4 sisters.  I didn’t ask them if it was okay to post this picture.  But that’s the thing about family.  They love you anyway.