Gotcha

My dad turned 60 on September 6, and my brothers and I couldn't pass up using this milestone as a reason to pull a fast one on him. Not too much slips past dad, but we managed to completely catch him off guard. He must have lost some of his ninja skills with his old age.

It started with a surprise weekend visit from my brother Jeff and sister-in-law Bobbi and their kids. He had no clue they were coming, and was floored when little Joshua casually walked passed him upstairs. And it ended with a surprise party on Sunday after the second church service. It was filled with all his kids, grandkids, some family and close friends. Lots of laughs, a mini-roast of Paul Cloeter, old pictures, good food, beautiful fall weather, yard games and lots of celebrating of a man who is so special to all of us.

And a quick side note and shout-out to my big brother's blog. Jeff posted about his visit home that weekend (sixthgen blog on my blog roll), and he nailed what "home" is to me, and probably many of us. Now onto some pictures...

Framed message from the grandkids, alongside my dad's fave - German chocolate cake

Getting ready for the birthday boy's arrival - successful secret errand running!

Checking out the pictures, which ranged from dad's hippie days to cheesing with me at my senior prom

Bella and Joshua practicing their "surprise"

Wait...what?!

Finally realized what was going on

Part of the "Stache" or "No Stache" game...dad has proudly sported both looks in the past, and the verdict was in..."No Stache"!

Jeff, the #2 tramp jumper. Aunt Anne was voted #1.

The whole fam