Surprise!!!!!

A few weeks ago, my mom and I decided to welcome my younger sister, Ashley, into her 30's by throwing her a surprise birthday party.  Her party was tonight and I'm so proud of how it turned out!  Ashley had started to figure out that we were throwing her a party, but I did manage to keep one big surprise a secret...which is very hard for me....We'll get to that soon. Mom ordered her cake from a local bakery.  I think it turned out amazing!!!!



Ashley's Cake

I didn't get to help decorate.  In fact, I was worried that I might not get to come to the party at all, because Karsyn and Addi weren't feeling too good.  But Praise the Lord, by party time they were good to go.  Uncle Billy, Aunt Kary, Natalie, Emily and Stephen were more than happy to help Mom and Dad get everything ready for the party.  We had zebra and hot pink decor, and since we love candy, it made for perfect center pieces.

Party Table

Mom and I had a lot of fun shopping for the party.  It's fun to have a theme in mind and then to find cute things to complete it.  We had Chad book the church annex for the party.  It was the best place to fit our big family.

Party Table

The party was set and we were ready for the birthday girl to arrive.  Payton loves hat these days and I loved how cute she looked in the one she chose for tonight. =)

Payton

The kids and I picked up Jessi before the party.  Jason had to work. =(  I thought that if we picked up Jessi, it might throw Ashley off from thinking she was going to have a surprise party.  I told Chad to have Ashley wear something cute to come to the party in.  The silly guy told her they were going to a church shower, but he couldn't tell her who it was for and that she needed to wear business casual. LOL!  We'll probably tease him for a while for that one.  But, on the bright side, I think it's good that a pastor isn't good at telling lies. =)

Evan & Jessi

Addi was ready to get the party started.  I just love her eyes in this picture!  She loves going to parties.  I think it might have something to do with eating cake.

Addi

It would seem as though a couple of the party guests may have been sneaking a little candy before the birthday girl got there.  It was easy to forgive them, because they looked way too cute in their matching party outfits.



Addi & Karsyn

The birthday girl got to her party and it was time to yell "Surprise!"


Addi



Ashley might have started to figure out that we were throwing her a surprise party, but she had no idea that her best friend, Serenity, and her family would be there.  It was such a sweet moment when they saw each other.  Serenity lives in Virginia.  Some of Chad's family from Missouri came too!

Serenity & Ashley

I didn't do a good job of getting a picture of everyone at the party, but here's the birthday girl and a few special guests.

Ashley & Dad

Grandma Paula & Ashley

Mom & Ashley

After we got a few pictures and said our hellos, we ate dinner.  All of the kiddos enjoyed playing together.  They really enjoyed the balloons!



Playing with balloons.

Karsyn really liked playing with the balloons too.  She is getting so active, that it's really hard to get her to stay still for a picture.

Karsyn

Then, it was time for cake! Uncle Billy had the honor of lighting all 30 candles.  Payton was a little worried before the party that we might catch the church on fire. LOL!  Then it was time to sing Happy Birthday!

Uncle Billy

The birthday girl had no problem blowing out all the candles.  As much as I would have liked to tease her about all the candles on her cake, umm....well....I am 2 years older. So, I kept the jokes to myself. =)

Making a Wish

The cake was super yummy!  I think everyone enjoyed it.  I know Karsyn and Addi did.


Karsyn & Addi

During the party, we watched a slide show that Mom had made with pictures of Ashley through the years.  It's amazing to see how fast time goes by , but it's also a blessing to see that not only Ashley, but our whole family, has lived through it all with big smiles.  I hope the party tonight made Ashley feel really special, because she is so very special to us!  Happy Birthday Ashley!  Welcome to the 30's!  I hope they are the best years of your life.