The Birthday Job

My wife is a pretty amazing woman. Today was her birthday you know. At our age birthdays get increasingly less exciting and almost dreaded at time. That must be why we get presents, to add some silver lining.

Well, this birthday was a little different. My cousin, who we haven't seen all summer, called me up and asked me if Wendi would appreciate a surprise visit on her birthday. It was an awesome idea to surprise Wendi with so we started planning the surprise. Well things didn't work out and the trip was in jeopardy of getting canceled, but like a champ my cousin came through and the trip was back on.

I also learned that my Uncle (who is almost like a father to me) was also going to be in town this weekend. Could it be possible? A double surprise birthday visit from our Arizona loved ones? It was almost too much to wish for.

It was a tough secret to keep, and apparently I didn't do a good enough job at hiding my excitement as I found out later that Wendi "knew something was up". I think she just plain knows me too well.

So we scheduled early dinne,r with my cousin that lives in town, at Tucanos. It's practically a tradition for us all to eat there now. Right before we are about to leave there is a knock at the door. Somehow the door got locked and the person was unable to enter so Wendi had to go open the door. There stood Wayne in all his surprise glory bearing gifts. Yes, Wendi cried. I was so proud of myself, and grateful to Wayne for making this happen for her.

But there was still one more surprise. I was worried that somebody would mention something but everything went perfect as I could have every hoped for. Jen and Todd, along with my secret aunt and uncle surprise, made it to Tucanos before us. We showed up a bit later because of BYU traffic and they had already been seated. We were looking through the restaraunt looking for them and when we turned the corner...BAM... surprise number 2. My Uncle Roy and Aunt Ruth were there waiting for us to join them. It was so perfect.

In the end, what could have turned out to be a normal hum-drum birthday turned out to be one of the most memorable birthdays to date. We got to spend much of the day with my Aunt, Uncle, two of my Cousins and their families. In a word, it was Amazing!!

I would like to thank Wayne, Roy, Ruth, Linda, Todd and Jen for making this birthday so special. You have given Wendi a better birthday gift than I ever could. And I doubt that I will ever be able to top this one. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you!