Surprise! Kyle is 40!

Kyle turned the big 4-0 on Wednesday, November 26th!  Happy birthday to my favorite man in the world! 

He wasn't too excited about hitting a new decade.  Several months ago he mentioned that I had never thrown him a surprise party, so I would tell him several times when his birthday came up, "You're having a surprise party," or, "Are you ready for your surprise party?"  It was me being a bit of a party pooper, since surprises are much more his thing than mine.  But, as it got closer, I stopped bringing it up.  One day I asked him if he really wanted one.  He told me to please not worry about it, since he knew I was a bit overwhelmed with everything going on.  I told him that was okay with me, if he was sure.  Then I thanked him for letting me off the hook.

But, I didn't really let him get off that easily!  It took a bit of figuring out--with the awesome help of Sara Edge--and we finally concocted a plan that would work.  We were going to be in Utah for Thanksgiving on his actual birthday, so I planned it for the Saturday before.  That same day (the 22nd), we went to the Kroc Center in Coeur D'Alene to celebrate reading the entire Book of Mormon as a family (woo hoo!  So exciting!).  We spent all morning and afternoon there, then came home and got changed then went over to the Edges' for dinner.  (This is the part that was a huge help; I didn't know how else I'd get him out of the house.)  While we were there, the Thomas' came over and decorated and let the other friends who came into the house.  At about 6:20, I told Kyle we'd better get the kids home since they were so tired (which they really were), and we headed home.  We stopped by the church to get something for my Sharing Time lesson the next day so the Edges had time to get to the house before we did. 

Kyle was genuinely surprised!  We had over 30 friends here to shout, "Surprise!" and wish him a happy birthday.  We had his favorite carrot cake and ice cream and visited while the kids played.  It was a fun night.  

The following week, Kyle got to continue his birthday celebrations.  Monday night for FHE, he opened his gifts from all of us.  Wednesday, we gave him little strips of paper that said 40 things we love about daddy, then they went together to make a puzzle.  Also that evening, we arrived at the Rummler's house and sang to him and had ice cream.  Then Friday night when we got to the Romney's, we again celebrated.  Christine had a mint ice cream cake that we all enjoyed!

So, I think it's safe to say, that despite the bummer of turning 40, he had a happy birthday.  We are glad and sure do love our daddy!  As do many, many other people!