Long Distance Surprise

Wendi had another birthday.  It's getting to be like clockwork now.  Theoretically a civilization could build a big calendar based on it if they wanted to.  I think it would be funny to make it stop abruptly for no reason, that should throw some people for a loop someday.

Anyway, she always goes all out for my birthday, and this year was no different.  She bakes and decorates cakes a lot but she knows that I am not a huge fan of cake (yes, I know).  This year she made a cake that she knew I would appreciate...a fruit cake.  No, not the kind that your in-laws re-gift you at Christmas, but a real pile of freshly cut fruit in the shape of a cake.  I loved it!

She always makes my birthdays special, where I feel I always struggle to make hers special or even memorable.  Fortunately, I have some of the best family on the planet.  Somehow I was able to convince my cousin, Wayne, and his wife, Linda, to bring their beautiful little girl on a 12 hour drive and spend the weekend in Utah to celebrate Wendi's birthday.  It was a tight fit but he managed to bring my other cousin, Kathy, and her little boy too.  Somehow we kept it a secret although Wendi insists afterward that I was "acting weird all week".  Newsflash, I pretty much always act weird, so I was really acting normal.

Finally, the day arrived.  Like a child waiting for Santa I tracked them as they made the long trip up and first thing in the morning they knocked on our door.  Yep, it was all worth it, at least for me.  It was a sweet reunion.  Smiling and tired faces were more than a welcome sight as hugs and high-fives were liberally distributed.

The weekend went by too quickly but was filled with fun.  We were able to fit in a shopping trip, Tucanos and of course a night of staying up until our slap-happy antics had us literally rolling on the floor...literally.  The party was a blast with a house full of friends and family all there to support Wendi as she crossed the yearly finish line.  It was amazing to have everybody there to share in the festivities.

But all too soon it was time to pack up the car, with 10 bags of fresh produce, and send our family back to their lives and for us to do the same.  We missed them almost immediately, but I think it was just enough to recharge our batteries...at least until November.

A special thanks goes out to Wayne, Linda and Kathy for making the long trip.  I truly appreciate the effort and sacrifice you made to come up for just a few days.  I hope that you know how much we love and appreciate you.  Thanks for being so awesome!

Thanks also to Riley and JD for weekend full of smiles and melt-downs.  I am sorry your rooms were so close together.

Thanks also to Eric & Lisa & Family for making the trip for the party.  To Jen & Todd and Family for coming over and hanging out.  And to Tom & Sabrina and all the gang for coming and bringing the party with you.  And Evan, it is always good to see you.

Thank you all for helping make Wendi's Birthday a celebration and most importantly and P-A-R-T-Y!