Happy Birthday Mom!

My sister and I have been planning a surprise birthday weekend for my mom's 60th birthday since last February.  My mom is notoriously difficult to surprise because she delights in figuring out what we're doing for her birthday before it happens.  My father, the master of surprises, suggested we have her family 60th celebration out here.  It was a great idea and this weekend was a LOT of fun!

My mom was completely and utterly surprised!  She could not believe that so many people came out to help celebrate.  For me, it was so neat getting to show everyone around our town.  We kicked off the surprise at my house on Friday night.

The next morning was an early one for everyone to get to the balloon fiesta (hundreds of hot air balloons) before dawn.  A few who are not morning people (namely my sister and daughter) chose to rest rather than brave the early morning cold.

The afternoon, I took those who wanted to get a little exercise on a hike and the we finished up the evening with a fun evening of just hanging out.

Yesterday after church, a few of us took my mom out to get her a new outfit for the evening party.  We finished off the weekend with a dressy party at our country club.  It was a great weekend!  I found out on Friday before everyone arrived that my hip that was hurting when I run is actually fractured.  More on that later. :)