Happy Birthday to Me!

Dean and Margaret Hooks will enter the MTC in Provo (for a short stay) on August 11 in preparation for their 6th mission, so decided – or so they told me – to throw themselves a little farewell party on the evening of Friday, July 11 at the Vintage Clubhouse.  I had every reason to think this was a legitimate invitation … but when I walked in at 7:30 I was greeted by a HUGE “surprise” and a rousing rendition of the Happy Birthday song!  As it turns out, the party was a celebration of the 41^st anniversary of my 29^th birthday! 

Kelly and Gary did most of the organizing, but Stacy, Rick, Danielle, Kendi, Whitney, Michael and Lilly and Larry were all there to lend a hand and sing loudly!  Besides family members, there were many friends we have known for years as well as lots of members of the Bloomington 7^th Ward and a handful of members of the St. George Rotary Club.  The food was tasty and plentiful and the company was delightful.  And, I was TOTALLY surprised!!!

Michael and Lilly had to leave early on Saturday and Stacy and her family had plans for the day, so the rest of us jumped in our cars and drove to Cedar City for the July Jamboree, including an amazing car show – which Larry particularly enjoyed.  It was HOT in Cedar City but nowhere close to the 110+ degree summer day in St. George.  Larry was shocked by the heat and was certain his friends back in Seattle would dispute his claim of triple digits so he documented it with a picture

We spent Saturday evening sorting Mother’s jewelry and getting it ready for an estate sale.  Sounds boring, but it was actually a fun time together.

Sunday was quiet and, in Larry’s opinion, boring … but we got in a few laughs and I enjoyed his company.

It was a lovely weekend and a better-than-I-expected birthday.  Thanks to everyone who helped make it a special celebration.  I love you!