On Saturday I had a surprise 40th birthday party for Greg. I spent the last two years planning, gathering information and photos, making invitations, etc. (I know, it seems a bit extreme on time, but take into factor two things: 1. I am a nutso planner and it's just my personality. 2. I made him a book on Shutterfly like I do for the boys, which recounts his life from birth through now. Greg has been involved in SO much stuff, and collecting, scanning, and organizing those photos took time, time, time, time! Did I mention it took time?)
I was so worried that he would know what was going on. Two years is a long time to keep a secret from the person you talk to the most! But, luckily it all went through as planned. The men in the family took Greg to Monroeville for the day on a music store excursion, and my sister-in-law and I put the house together. Greg's mom and oldest sister helped quite a bit too, with planning and organizing. I definitely could not have done it alone.
Greg's actual birthday isn't until August, but because of our hectic schedules, this was the weekend we chose. I think it helped to throw him off. Of course, knowing Greg, I don't think he would tell me even if he did have an idea that the party was coming.
We had lots of family and a few friends, and everyone helped to celebrate the day with one of our most favorite men. Greg's uncle even drove Greg's 91 year old grandfather in for the party. I hope that a day dedicated to celebrating our dear, sweet Greg, helped to ease the pain of transitioning into his 4th decade of life. Who wouldn't want to grow old surrounded by so much love?
A little poster I put together of tid bits from the year Greg was born.
"What the? I thought this was a party for mom?"
"You guys are crazy!"
Making his rounds in presidential style, shaking hands, hugging babies, and patting little girls on the head.
Happy to see his 91 year old Pap, who came in from Pittsburgh.
And my 83 year old Pap who came in from Altoona! Haha!
Fred gave Greg his guitar. For Greg, it was better than receiving a guitar from Angus Young!
The birthday boy and his bass fishing cake!
"Forty! Forty! I'm forty! That's 4...0"
It just wouldn't be a party without a visit from our neighbor's kids, "The Weichel Boys"
Andrew gives Dad a birthday hug
"Oooo! What is it?"
"Look everyone! I got a gigantic beef loin and a cooler lid! Fantastic!"
Greg's mom is still using disposable 35 mm cameras, despite repeated attempts to move her into the digital age.
Fred, Dale Ann, Renee and Dalann
Greg's grandfather and SaraBeth
"Don't look down! I think Karissa lost her pants!"
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