A 50th Birthday Surprise

My mom is a giver.  She gives of herself to so many people, often putting her own needs aside.  For her 50th birthday we knew we needed to something really special so she would know how important  and loved she is.

She was genuinely surprised.  What a relief (especially with a very excited 4-year-old who likes to talk)!  Mom was blown away and touched that so many people who came and sent their love from afar - we even had some join in by Skype.

Thank you to ALL who came, who sent letters, who helped with the planning, food, transporting, decorating, cake, and a HUGE thanks to the Pintar family for allowing us to overrun their home for a night.

Here is a re-cap in pictures of the night.

Thank you Granddad for watching the kids while we set up and during the party.  Life saver!

We had a quiz about Mom's life.  Amanda drew the personalized pictures!

Sam's friend Erika made the beautiful cake!  Check out http://www.sugarmethis.com/.

 

And here's the quiz.  How many questions do you know?

Playing tour guide with "Mei" a.k.a. "Mae"

Afternoon in the city:

Mei's first time tasting clam chowder & crab cakes.

Natural Bridges

Our *short* evening in Monterey

 Found two starfish floating around loose in the tide pools.  Goal to see starfish in California - check!

And then a seagull stole the starfish and Mae/Mei chased it down the beach until she fell in...

The culprit, with 2 points of the star still hanging out of its mouth...