Surprise 40th Birthday Party

This past weekend in Des Moines we celebrated Mark, Todd and Jim's 40th birthday.   Jim and Mark thought it was just a surprise party for Todd, Todd know something was up but not sure what, and Mark made sure Todd got to the party on time. We celebrated at a bar and grill, Champs, in Des Moines.  The room was great, although we had so many people we were spilling into the bar area.  We probably had over 100 people at the party!  

So Jim arrived a few minutes before Todd and Mark.  I have no idea why.  He was out golfing with the rest of the guys all afternoon, but was in his own car, so he showed up a little early.  We were all stunned and did not know what to say.  He literally stood in front of his cake for several minutes before realizing the party was for him as well!  

Todd arrive and acted surprised...

Then the look on Mark's face cracks me up...he saw his brother and the wheels started turning...Mark quickly realized the party was for him also!  

Shannon drove up from KC for the party, after telling Mark he was not going to be able to make it to "Todd's Party."  Shannon sent me a message on Face book trying to figure out what to say to Mark.  Shannon did not want to mess up anything...He didn't...all the guys were totally surprised.  

This hat was a huge hit.  Mark's brother brought it up and Mark wore it most of the night.  

Jon and Pat drove over from Omaha with their families.  

Steve, my sister and parents came up for the party as well.  

The Minnesota boys (Todd's brother in laws.)  Mark hangs out with them every year for the Fantasy Football draft and knows them pretty well.  

Each guy had their own table, cake and an assortment of baby pictures.  I also brought up Mark's senior pictures and those were a hit!  

Steve got Mark some crazy gifts.  Adult depends, reading glasses, pill container, AARP card, etc...

Mark and his brother Pat. 

All the guys, and little Spencer too!

We took a lot of pictures of the birthday boys...Great bunch of guys and amazing friends.  

Um, a little too much beer perhaps? 

Brian, another great college friend and one of the guys...

And the masterminds behind the party.  Tammy, Bridgit and myself.  We started planning this party back in March...it has been so much fun the past several months getting all the details worked out.  I am so glad Mark and Jim were surprised, and Todd was a little bit surprised as well.  He obviously had no idea what were were planning,  he just know something was up!  

Happy 40th birthday Mark, Todd and Jim.  It was a good one for sure!  

Courtney and Andrew's Wedding

The girls were in a wedding a few weekends ago.  It seems like forever ago.  We have been so busy traveling right before the wedding and it has taken me so long to get the pictures up!  Lauren was the flower girl and Addison the ring bearer. They looked gorgeous.  It was so fun having them be a part of Andrew and Courtney's special day.  Courtney is the daughter of our neighbor, and it was a huge honor to be included in the day.

Addison looked gorgeous with her hair braided.  

Lauren, Addison, Zoe (the other flower girl) and Courtney the bride.  Lauren and Zoe totally hit it off and became fast friends.  We have seen Zoe a lot over the last few months shopping for dresses, the wedding shower, and graduation party.  Lauren and Zoe always have fun together! 

One of the many gorgeous pictures of the girls. They loved their dresses and said they felt like a princess all dressed up.  

Mark and Addison were buddies at the reception.  The hung out together all night, since Lauren and Zoe were busy dancing.  

We stayed at the reception until almost midnight!  We were  having way to much fun to leave.  Addison had a few moments of breaking down and wanting to go home..but she snapped out of it and kept on dancing. 

Friday night was the rehearsal.  The girls did great!  

As you can see here, Lauren adores Zoe.  Zoe have Lauren one half of a best friends necklace.  It made Lauren's day!  

One of the bridesmaids did the hair for all the bridesmaids, the bride, the Mom, and my girls.  She did awesome and the girls looked beautiful.  

After their hair was done, we hung out at the church.  I did  not want them to go home because I was so afraid their hair would get messed up!  

The bridal party went out to the Royals Stadium to take pictures before the wedding.  (The reception was held at the Diamond Club at the K.  Super fun!)  So, I took the opportunity to capture some pictures of my princesses.  

I especially love this one...They truly adore each other.  

Lauren and Zoe and Addison.  These girls loved being around the bigger girls and the bride all afternoon!  

This is Max.  The other ring bearer.  He is only 3 1/2.  He did great!  

The girls got a chance to hop in the limo before the wedding party filled it up.  Very cool.  

The reception was at the Diamond Club at the Royals Stadium.  Andrew and Courtney met at a Royals game (when they both worked there several years ago) so it is only fitting to have the reception at the "K."

I have no idea what Addison is doing in this picture, but the girls loved looking at the field! 

Love this picture!  

and this one...Lauren's smile is so genuine.  She had a great night.  

She danced all.night.long.  

I love Addison's smile.  She was watching some boys dance...

Lauren loved it too!  I lover her toothless smile...she lost another tooth a few days later.  Actually, it was bleeding that night...but it never got on the white dress! 

These two danced the night away...

so did these two!  

Like I said before, this is my absolute favorite picture...especially in black in white.  Mark is such an amazing Dad.  He danced with Addison all night and Addison absolutely loved it.  

It was a beautiful wedding and a great night.  I am so glad my girls were able to be a part of the day.  Thanks Courtney!