Surprise!

Friday night we celebrated Mom's 50th birthday with an old-fashioned surprise party. After many plans failed to get her to the church, Shaun finally just had to call and kindly suggest she come up to the church. So, she knew something was up, but I don't think she realized the scope of the event. We had family, friends from work, friends from church, and friends from grade school through high school. I think we had around 65 guests, which seemed like the perfect amount.

Shaun and I have been busy for weeks planning the decorations and food, and I think things turned out quite nicely. Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Six Little Pumpkins

Last night we carved pumpkins in anticipation of the party we're hosting on Friday. Shaun and Stuart were over, and Joshua even joined in the fun. We ended up with six pumpkins that will be lighting up our front step tomorrow evening. Stuart gets the award for most impressive, a Superman S (because I love letters!), created with a power tool. I get the prize for speediest, completing three pumpkins. Shaun wins for being willing to prep the most pumpkins. Thanks for scooping all those seeds! Joshua wins for participating in a craft project for the longest amount of time in his life, and I think, even enjoying it a bit.

So, if you're driving around Peoria tomorrow night and happen upon this lovely collection of welcoming pumpkins, come on in. Free food and beverages!

Party Time

Last night we hosted a party for a few friends at the split level. Here are some highlights from the evening.

Shaun and I went to Hardee's before the party got started. It had been about 20 years since either one of us had visited a Hardee's, but we were watching TV and a commercial for their new hand breaded chicken fingers came on. Well, the advertising worked, because before we knew it, there we were in Hardee's snacking on some chicken and curly fries. The chicken was not great, but the fries were fantastic. Overall, I wouldn't miss Hardee's if we don't go back for another 20 years.

A little later in the evening, Wes hooked us up with a truckload of snow. He drives the Zamboni at a local ice skating rink, so all we had to do was drive over and shovel after the 9:15 cut. We all had a fun, although wet, time with a snowball fight.

After the snowball fight, karaoke was quite popular. I worked on my singing and dance moves, which honestly, could use some improvement. The gentlemen seemed to enjoy trying on moustaches as well.

Retirement Party

Last night Vanilla Bean Counter and I drove up to Preemption. What, you've never heard of Preemption? Well, we were there for a rockin' party to celebrate my grandma's retirement from working as a post master in this small town for many years. It was a very nice party. I served coffee and punch, and Vanilla Bean Counter bitched because she hates parties and was slightly wicket (our family's term for sick). Jon G was in charge of the decorations and most of the food planning. The flowers were upcycled from my wedding flowers. After the addition of some orange, yellow, and gold accents, they were brand new again and looked lovely.

Today is moving day for Vanilla Bean Counter. New apartment with no Trompy, it will be fantastic. Then tonight, it's back to the Quad Cities for a Circa 21 play, something about the holidays and singing I think. I'll enjoy it, and so will Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Ronni, but Vanilla Bean Counter will probably be whining again.