Surprise for Grampa!

I'm a little late in posting this, but better late than never I guess! On the weekend of May 22nd I planned a surprise for my sweetheart. He has been depressed because he can't travel much to see kids and other family. He has especially been missing his grandkids, soooooo- I planned a party. It was a "late birthday/early Father's Day" surprise party. It was a little tricky to pull off but we did it.

Jim found out some of his kids were coming to visit but he had no idea it was a special visit and that all of them would try to be here. The only ones that didn't make it were Genevieve and her family in Wyoming because they were ill. We missed them big time!

Anyway-Friday evening first Josh & Tringle arrived with their 5 kids, then Jon & Katrina with their 4 boys, then Justin & Nikki with their 2 boys, and later Jared & Katherine with their 2 kids. Then early Saturday morning Amanda & Tim got here with their 3 girls! With each arrival you could just see the joy swelling in Jim.... What a houseful!

Anyway-Saturday morning the kids all went to work on our yard (it was in sore need of maintenance). Grampa took a little nap while they were working. When they were finished, we lined the kids up with a cake and balloons and when he came out of his bedroom we all sang- "Happy birthday/Father's Day to Grampa"- it was a delightful surprise! He and I were both quite emotional - it was a wonderful moment.

We had a nice big dinner with all the kids and Barb & Jerry came out too. My poor little house was spilled on, scribbled on, full of noise and motion- and it was all absolutely fabulous! Nothing like 16 grandkids running around to fill a home full of love and joy! And worth every moment to see the happiness it brought to Jim.

To round off the weekend, we went to the park early Sunday morning to feed the ducks. We popped popcorn and crumbled up bread and each kid had their own bag of duck food. It was glorious fun!

My love and gratitude to all our kids- you fill our hearts with joy!

Can't wait til next time we all get together!

Posted with tons of love and laughter!