It Was Worth It

Yes, if I had the choice, I'd do it all again.

Turn 40, I mean.

my family blessed me beyond compare (I LOVE my 40 gifts!!) and the day was just beginning....

I know you are all aware that I've passed this epic milestone of life because of the lovely blog post written in my honor (of which I certainly feel unworthy) and because of all the wonderful cards I received. And if not either of those, perhaps you were in attendance at my 30th- a large percentage of our blog audience was. You see, I am really easy to surprise. After the surprise trip to Florida and then then not one, but two surprises for my 30th, everyone knows this, and no one more than me. I was not going to be surprised this time and the only thing that I thought would surprise me was if there was none at all. Yes, this time was going to different.

It was different, all right. I actually planned the surprise myself... and yes, was still surprised! Have you ever done that??! Well, let me tell you how;

So, we'd been working on a date to get together with some close friends, the Wagenbachs. We both had Memorial Day weekend open and since I like to have plans then (leftover from my young group days, I guess) and no one around here had mentioned maybe leaving it open for any reason (wink wink), we were happy to get a date pegged down and began making plans together. I figured since I was making the plans, my dear family would have to find another time for a surprise. It never once occurred to me that they would plan something the very day of my birthday. (Which it should have.)

We planned for them to come for church, which they did. We planned that that we would let the kids swim after church, which they did. Then we planned that we would go into town for a hike, have a relaxful supper of pizza, etc, at North Park and then play our instruments and sing together in Fairview basement before they would need to head home, most of which we did not. Or at least like I had planned! When we started off into town, suddenly no one wanted to hike except June and me. I thought that was a little strange, but whatever. June and I would enjoy ourselves certainly. And we did! So much so that I didn't notice all the big vans parked by the shelter nor the extra bodies of people under the shelter until I was almost in the shelter!

I cannot remember what it was the two of us were talking so intently about (which shows my age) but I will never forget the evening we had together under that shelter in North Park with some of my favorite people. The food was great (no pizza afterall), the weather perfect (no wind- thanks, God!), the kids had a great time playing the evening away and the surprises just kept coming.

I was presented with a wonderful collection of cards that my dear husband and sweet daughter and 40  great friends put together for me! It is a gift I will cherish forever and inspires me to live up to all those nice words!

There are quite a few funny little stories about how my family got things past me without me finding out, like the instruments and the food and Kenan's mouth...  but sure enough, I was clueless the whole time! (I'll lean on my mother's opinion that "gullible people are so much fun!"  :)  )

The Wagenbachs actually did not go back home (in spite of all the cultivating awaiting them :) ) but had all the time planned to stay overnight and go with us to Matthiesson the next day. We did indeed eventually play instruments! It was getting late by this time and we were all a little wound up, which only added the celebratory spirit, right?!  

Next morning we had a great breakfast together and then were on our way to spend the day hiking. It was the same idea every one else had too, which made for a full park, but we had lots of fun anyway! 

                We've always gone in the fall I guess because going in May was completely different.
                                                             Lots and LOTS of mud!!! 

We ended the day by meeting Mom and Dad and A. Karen at a restaurant for supper. On the way home, I finally had the chance to read each one of those birthday cards. 

The perfect end to a perfect birthday. 

My dear family: I love you so much!! You treated me like a queen. I felt fully blessed by 9 am that day and simply looked forward to a pleasant day with good friends. I had no idea what all you had put together- for me! I will never forget it (I hope).  I don't even mind being old. -Kara