Mom in 1979
The Fox Family
Our mother turned 60 on Friday and one of her sisters, Susan decided that the best way to celebrate was to fly out from Virginia to surprise her. AND my grandma was going to fly out from Iowa. Then it was pile on from there because that is just how we roll, no one wants to miss out. Sharon came from Colorado and our Aunt Bev from Concord... party on.
Surprise Aunt Bev is here!
SURPRISE! GRANDMA IS HERE! you can start crying now.
Rule #1: Start with a grain of truth. She knew we were having family dinner on Friday and an Open House on Saturday. She knew that she wasn't supposed to get involved. That is all she knew.
Rule #2: Don't tell her friends anything. I had to hold my tongue on several occasions but it was worth it. We all know Barb can't keep a secret.
Rule #3: Limit the information that you give your brothers. My first choice: give your brothers no information. That way your sister won't have to have a conversation with your brother Robby like this: "Won't she be suspicious?" That was in reference to whether or not he should clean up his room on Thursday night. And of course while my mom was standing right there.
Rule #4: Make sure your sister is as bossy and organized as possible...then you just have to smile and wave.
Rule #5: Keep the surprises coming. I have never seen my mom as excited as she was when she opened her Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit.
Rule #6: Anticipate some last minute anxiety. My mom was calling her mother to make sure she was still in Iowa the day before her birthday.
Aunt Susan, Grandma Keith, Mom and Aunt Sharon
We had a really great weekend. Mom was happier about turning 60 than she has been about any birthday (sorry, this isn't happening every year). We told Dad that we are only planning a 70th for him in conjunction with his retirement party, so that ain't happening.
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