Pa's 60th Birthday

Hello again!!  My dad turned 60 about a week ago.  (You're allowed to reveal the age when it's a big milestone, aren't you??)  Anyway, my sister, mom, and I had been working for months to plan a surprise birthday party for him.  We decided to have a Low Country Boil at an airport hanger (because my father in law is great at cooking Low Country Boils for lots of people, and we happened to know the owner of an airport hanger).  We printed up some super cute invitations, Mom made a guest list, Alicia booked a flight and created a great photo-book on Mixbook, Cline bought some food, and we had a great evening.  The only thing that could have made it better would have been cooler weather; a large metal building in 100+ degree weather made for a sweaty evening!  Oh, and I had 2 babysitters get sick at the last minute, but that worked out OK.  The kids were very well-behaved, and my in-laws helped watch them while Alicia and I hosted the party. 

Christa spent the night with La-La the night before and made this great card for "Pa."

Elizabeth looked so cute with her sweaty curls!

She's just so cute!!  She's totally not going to be the typical 3rd child with no pictures of her - not with hair like that!!

Dad said he was completely surprised!!  I don't know how - my mom isn't known for her lying skills, and she had to think quickly when I called her and told her she had to get over to my house immediately when my 2nd babysitter got sick.  She'd been lying all week long about where she was, since she and I spent a lot of time purchasing things for the party and getting ready.

We had a great crowd, and everyone was such a good sport about the heat.  We tried to make it comfortable with lots of cold beverages.

Dad had no idea Alicia and her husband were coming in from Texas!  We wish they could have stayed a little longer, but jobs/airline prices wouldn't allow it this time.

Dad and his girls!

Another picture of Elizabeth....

.... and one of Abby Kate, since she's super adorable, too!!!  She just doesn't like to pose for the camera these days, so I have to work harder to get pictures of her.

Dad's awesome cake, made by the sweet lady who made our wedding cake!

My whole side of the family!

And my little family!

Happy Birthday, Dad!  We had a great time celebrating!