Birthdays and Parties

Friday was my birthday.  We had the day off, which was a nice present.  In the morning, Zach's parents and grandparents came up to Grand Island to take us out to breakfast for my birthday.  They also gave Monroe her Easter baskets since they wouldn't see her on Sunday.  After breakfast, we went to the western store so that I could try on boots.  For my birthday, Zach got me a gift certificate there because I have been talking about getting cowboy boots for awhile.  I didn't get any, but I have a better idea of what I want.

That afternoon, we drove to North Platte.  The weather was perfect all day.  Then, we got a thunderstorm that evening.   My kind of weather!  After the storm, we went out to supper with my parents.  It was a wonderful birthday.

The next morning, we went swimming at the rec center.  Monroe hadn't been swimming since August, so we were excited to take her.  She, of course, loved the water.

She had to put her swimsuit on herself. 

I love this one!

Grandma!

My mom turned 60 on March 25th.  She had a party for her 40th and 50th, so my dad suggested a different option.  My mom is very adventurous, but my dad is not.  He came up with the idea of each of her kids doing something from her bucket list with her.  She doesn't have a written-out bucket list, so we had to somewhat guess.  We all came up with something we wanted to do that we thought she would like.  My dad invited a few friends over, but it was Easter weekend so a lot of people were out of town.

Samara missed the whole party.

The kids were hiding to surprise Grandma.

My beautiful mom!

Once people arrived, and we had some food, we brought out an easel to present Mom with her gift.
On the first page, we wrote:
Mom's bucket list
Then we listed anything we have ever heard her talk about doing, even some things she has already done.
The second page said:
Dad's bucket list
Teach forever
The third page said:
Fortunately for you, he planned this...
Happy Birthday!
Then we kids got up one by one to tell Mom what we are going to do with her.

Megan is taking Mom to her first Broadway musical.  They are going to Lion King.

Rod is taking her to a shooting range and teaching her how to shoot different kinds of guns.  

Zach and my mom are going to get tattoos together.

Zach is taking Mom to the the casinos in Iowa and making her spend all his money.

I am taking her parasailing at Lake McConaughy.

 Josh and Mom are taking a motorcycle class together.  She can then get an M on her license.

Last, but not least, Jess and Mom are going skydiving.

Notice her reaction

My mom loved her gifts.  She was surprised throughout our reveal and cannot wait to do these activities with her kids.

After her friends left, we went outside to play tippy cup.  We played it after my dad's 60th birthday party, and we all had a blast.  This time was no different.  We laughed A LOT.

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, MOM!