It's A Surprise!! Justin Turns 30!!

Don't you just LOVE surprise parties??  I do!! However, my husband is one difficult man to surprise... why?  Because he has to know EVERYTHING!!  And because he is too cool, he uses my facebook, computer, email, etc to keep up with all the people that he really wants to keep up.  I started thinking a couple of months ago about his big 30 birthday and what we could do.  I decided to throw a party while we were home for the beach because it was so centrally located for many of his friends and family and I knew of a couple that were going to be in town for Labor Day.

I planned just about everything from my work email.  He asked to borrow my phone for a couple of days after his got stolen, um.. no! I knew someone would text or a caterer would call or something.  I had to just put my foot down on that one and seem totally unreasonable.

I arranged for his best friend Paul, my dad, and brother to take him to play golf as a birthday present from my parents.  I ordered invitations, arranged a caterer, bought all the goods and lined it up. Hid plates, napkins, and table clothes in my suitcase!  Fortunately Justin's sister lives there and was a HUGE help in getting decorations and items together that we couldn't fly with.  My mom brought lots of fun stuff and was a big part of it and Justin's mom provided some great pictures and yummy food.  One of the best parts of the party was everyone laughing and having a great time with Justin's childhood photos.  His sister Lauren made a "clothes line" and we pinned them up and then placed framed pictures around.  I put his "naked butt" baby pics everywhere I could!  (So cute :-)

As soon as Justin left to play golf, the action started.  It was CRAZY!!  We decorated a house, ran errands, set up the party, dressed ourselves and the boys, and then before we knew it.. guests starting to arrive.  It was amazing! So many people that Justin loves and misses were able to come.  We were blessed to have his childhood best friends come from Gainesville, Tampa, and NYC.  Most of our family was there too. It was great! Justin said after that he thought we were going to dinner and he suspected that his parents, a couple of friends were going to be there.  But he was SHOCKED to see a few of the out of town guest and he had no idea about the party. 

Me & cousin Jenni

Justin's "brother", Aunt Nikki, Charis, & Addy Kate

The boys meet Colton Highlander for the 1st time!!

Yeah! We got to see cousin Deidre!

Aunt Dee & Big Poppa

Big Poppa, Cousin Whit & Paul

Aunt GG & "The Grape Salad"

After all the anticipation, the birthday boy finally showed up!  He had the biggest grin when he started realizing all the people that were there. 

After the candles were blown out and all the babies were in bed, we headed to Bud & Ally's to celebrate.  What a night!  We acted like we weren't 30 for sure! We danced and laughed late into the night. 

Childhood friends from "the view"

So excited to see Emily in from NYC!

The "Riley" women :-)

On the way home, Justin put his arms around me and told me "It was the best night of my life".. isn't that what its all about?  The best birthday ever!