Dad's 60th Birthday

We threw a big surprise party for my mom's 60th birthday this year, which was a smashing success.  My dad made it explicitly clear that I was to do NO such thing for him, when he turned 60 in April.  I kept my word, and didn't throw him a party.  But I also didn't allow this monumental birthday pass without some kind of recognition...  I mean, c'mon, Dad.  You didn't really think I would let you get by that easily, now did you?

About 6 weeks before his birthday, I sent out an email to a large number of people.  People from Dad's past and present; family members, former students, co-workers, dear friends.  In this email, I asked people to send me a memory they have about my Dad.  It didn't have too many specifications - it could be hand-written, emailed, put on stationary, or a note card.  Anything was fair game, as long as I had their participation.  The goal?  To fill 60 envelopes with 60 memories.  We reached the goal, and then some.  We celebrated Dad's birthday over two days.  Saturday evening, we had a nice meal, dessert and gifts (including the letters), and the party continued into Sunday, where we went to Camp 18 for breakfast before heading to Cannon Beach.

The bundle of letters.  I was super excited, but I had to wait until the girls went to bed before we would give these to him.

The boys were put to bed, but we let the girls stay up for cake and ice-cream. They sure didn't mind. :)

WOW.  Do you think all 3 of us can blow out that many candles?!?

Whew! We did it! (Look at all that smoke!)

I'm not entirely sure, but I kind of think this "grandpa-hug" is to prevent little fingers from diving into that cake! I mean, just look at that girl smacking her lips!

Kisses for Grandpa Pat

And one more!

Grandpa especially loved the pictures Maddie and Ellie colored just for him. :)

I just sort of handed him the bundle of letters, forcing him to figure it out.

He got the hang of it. :)

Lots of laughs - must've been a funny memory.

So many people love this man, and I was just blessed to be able to help facilitate a way for them to let him know.

The celebration continues - at Camp 18!

Sweet Sarah with sweet Benjamin.

Daddy's girls.

Well, Dad with all of his girls. :)

Tucker and Willy were thrilled to be celebrating Dad's milestone birthday, too!