Surprise Indeed

Matthew's Surprise 40th Party was a success!! His cousins and uncle, who were all in on my plan, took him golfing at 1:00 on Friday afternoon. At 1:01, my sister and I began setting up my back yard. It took us about 5 hours to get everything set. The theme was Luau so we decorated the tables with paper pineapples and palm frans. Tiki torches were throughout the yard with island music playing in the background. The guests were greeted with leis and fruit punch complete with umbrella straws. The menu consisted of one of Matthew's favorite things, sloppy joes, pasta salad, 7 layer dip, fruit and dip, sugar cookies my mom made in the shape of pineapples and palm trees, chips and salsa. 55 friends and family came including Matthews brother Andy and his family from Oklahoma City, my cousin Shawndra from Nebraska and cousin Chad and his family from Cheyenne. Thru out the afternoon, small drops of rain came and went. Unknown to me, there was a huge rain and hail storm on the south part of town. My aunt and cousins prayed on the way to the party for the rain to hold off around our house. Around 6:45 we got the call that the golfing crew were on the way home, so we got into position and waited with excitement!! When Matthew walked thru the gate, he didn't know what to think. The first thing he seen was a small table set up directly past the gate with all of the presents. Confusion came over his face and at this point he looked up and seen 55 people on his deck and we all screamed "Happy Birthday!!" It was classic!! He had had no idea!! Our surprise was kept secret for a month and a half!! He could hardly believe it!! It was so fun! One of the highlights was the Hawaiian girl, Stephanie, who performed some Hawaiian dances. She also got everyone into the spirit by teaching the Hula to our guests. It was really fun. Matthew's dad made a touching toast about Matthew. Big Matt found out about Matthews birth from a picture that he received while he was in Vietnam. He was a couple of months old when he seen him for the first time. He went on to say how proud he his of Matthew that he is a wonderful father, husband, citizen and and da?n good furniture repair man! Cake and ice cream was served to everyone and the dance music was turned on. About an hour later, around 9:30, the clouds broke loose and we received the biggest rain and hail storm! The party moved inside and Matthew opened his presents. Alot of them consisted of Ben gay, tums, a walking cane, and false teeth. He did also get money and several rounds of golf. The back yard was completely trashed by the storm, but all the prayers worked because we were able to have a fun party before the rain came. Matthew was so pleased and has told me several times how thankful he was for the fun party. Enjoy the pics...........

Matthew trying to figure out whos presents are on this table......

Looking up and seeing 55 people screaming Happy Birthday at him....

Calling me a dirty rat for pulling this over on him.....

Stephanie performing Hawaiian dances....

Teaching the gang....

Scott and Kara.....

The Gumpers, Matt and Steph

Matt and Kyle, Jon and Jodi..

Robin, Mark, Kirsten and Christel

Amy and Dane...

Madison, Carly and Neely in their matching dresses...

Preston and Amy...

Madelyn, Madison, Elizabeth and Ana...

Aunt Judy and Uncle Tom....

Lauren, Olivia and Elizabeth

Papo Larry and Grammy Patty....

Me and Bobbi...