In anticipation of Tiffani's upcoming 40th birthday, I had been thinking about how we could celebrate her day. I thought it would be fun to have a surprise party. Tim and Mark thought it was a good idea. I touched base with Bree and she was in too. Bree told me Tiff has never had a surprise party so I started planning. The only day Bree and her family could come before Tiff's birthday on April 3 was this past Sunday, so operation surprise Tiffani was a go!
Grey and Grahm slept over Friday and in between water balloons, reading books, and making chopsticks card shooters, Grey and Grahm made very sweet birthday cards for their Mom.
Mark and Tiff usually come get the boys Saturday morning. Mark woke up a little early and left Tiffani sleeping. Mark, Grey, and I hurried to Costco to get some party supplies. It was fun to shop together and it's good things I had my walking shoes on so I could keep up with Mark. He walks so fast just like Christopher!
We decided to have the party at the park across from our home. We have still been having unseasonably warm weather. I woke up about 5:00 Sunday morning. I could hear the wind blowing and it was cold. I have been praying the weather would cooperate. As soon as the sun came up the wind died down, and it started to warm up. It was a little breezy all day but still all in all a beautiful day. I was beyond grateful. The trees that line the park are in bloom and it was the perfect backdrop for the gathering.
The evolution of Mark and Tiffani
40 pictures for 40 years
With a little planning and lots of help from Tim, Mark, and Bree, we managed to celebrate Tiffani's 40th birthday in the most wonderful way. Family and friends gathered at the park and waited to see the white van coming down the street. I asked Cindi to join us on FaceTime from Vietnam. She and Brian had to wake up at 5:00am Monday morning. I walked around and let everyone say Hi to Nana before Tiff and her family arrived.
FaceTiming with Cindi, she was grateful to be included in the surprise and to see Tiffani's reaction.
The moment everyone saw Tiffani get out of the van!
We did it-we truly surprised her! The look on Tiffani's face when she realized what was happening was priceless-pure joy and a complete surprise. There were happy tears and lots of hugs!
Hugs for sister Bree
Hugs for Aunt Tami
Big hug for cousin Jason
Aunt Tami getting a hug from Cash!
Hug for niece Kiana
Still FaceTiming with Nana.
Ayva and her handsome friend Ben
My wonderful grandsons Grey and Grahm
An extra special hug for dear friends Kenny and Pam
Of course the birthday girl needs a tiara and sash!
Cousin Jason made Tiff a card, he put the stickers on it.
Time to celebrate and enjoy some good food.
Sisters!
I will let you guess which photos Grahm took!
I was grateful Lee and Adrian could come to the party.
Adrian was so thoughtful and gave Tiff a book.
I asked Grahm to sing a song for his Mom that I taught him called "Sunshine." He was so brave and did great. He's such a wonderful, sweet boy!
Tiffani likes brownies and donuts so I made a brownie and donut cake.
Time to make a wish!
Grahm wanted to try both kinds of cake.
We were so grateful that Grandma Darling could join us, along with other family and friends! It was a perfect day.
Forty and Fabulous... that's an understatement. Tiffani is truly beautiful inside and out. She's a devoted, loving wife and mother, and a woman of deep faith who brings light and warmth to everyone around her. We are endlessly grateful to have in our lives and love her so. Forty looks good on you Tiffani.
Thanks to Lee and Grahm for capturing the day so well!
