California, Part 3 - Happy Birthday, Bapa!

I am quite impressed that my mom was able to pull off such a great surprise birthday party for my dad. She's been planning it for a long time and putting lots of time and effort into it, and it went amazingly well! He was shocked!

Here was the plan. He was a little bummed about turning 60, so we just took it easy on his birthday, and told him that we were planning on going out to dinner as a family the evening after his birthday. Andrea claimed she had an event that she had to set up for on her own at one of her clubhouses (this was actually the party site), so Mom and I went up with her to help her. We were really setting up for the party. Jason and Billy were there early to help, too. Then, Dad, Greg and Luke were going to pick us up on the way to dinner. I called Greg when he was on his way and told him that there were some heavy tables that we needed their help carrying. So, they walked in, and this was the result:



Yes, I hid behind a little tree to video his reaction hoping he wouldn't see me. He did, but that's okay...he was still shocked.

About 75 of his greatest friends were there, and we had a wonderful time eating and celebrating my dad's 60 years. My mom also had a video put together of him with pictures of him since his childhood. Andrea and I were in tears...it was touching and amazing to see how far the Lord has brought my dad.

Luke was a little ham the entire night. He enjoyed just walking around, waving and charming everyone with his cute little smile and giggle. He's the happiest little guy! Here are a few more pictures of the great evening!

Enjoying the yummy barbeque:
And cake... The happy 60-year-old:
Luke just being Luke...he was smiling at Bapa here:
Singing happy birthday:
The fam...I love this picture because Mom and Andrea can't keep their eyes off of Luke, and he can't keep his eyes off of them: I love my family!
Our handsome little man:
Playing...
And playing some more...
This was the next morning at the mall play area. Can you tell how sleepy he was?

Love that smile!

Finally, here is a fun little video of the birthday song and an explanation of Mom's birthday gift to him. I don't know who was more excited about his gift...Dad or Greg! They both got lots of enjoyment out of it!

Happy birthday, Dad! We love you so much...Luke kisses your picture and screams "Bapa!" every time he sees it! We were so blessed to have such a dedicated and FUN dad. I can't wait until your 70th birthday party to see how the Lord will bless you these next 10 years! YOU ARE LOVED!