Surprise (conspiracy) in San Diego

SHE DIDN'T SUSPECT A THING !!

Aunt Genie turned 0n Saturday November 10. She thought she was having a casual family brunch with Paul, Sandy, and Terri to be followed by a walk on the beach. But about 25-30 friends and family turned out to wish her well. It was so much fun. The tears were widespread but brief and mingled with laughter, smiles, hugs and kisses.

The cakes (made by Aunt Genie's cousin) were wonderful.

The family was well represented. Paula and Kirk came in from Juno. Dwight, Dean and myself flew in from OH/IN, Marilou from Chicago, Gail Anne from Houston. I was happy to meet Genie's family after hearing abou them on our excursions to Mexico. It was good to see other friends I've come to know in Mexico and Jonathan (formerly of Canton).

Cindy with Gene's mom, Annie.

What a great family we have. Thanks so much to Terri for organizing and hosting with much help (and more than a little deception) from Paula, Sandy, and Uncle Paul.

It's tough going, but Paul is healing well. He'd be happy to show you. He works hard at his recovery (with 2 daughters who are physical therapists and a scuba trip in Mexico in the spring, what else can he do?).

Josh, Sam, and Zach in a conspiracy of their own. These guys are great. I'm so glad to have gotten to know them!

Sandy looks so good!
She is vibrant, beautiful and so centered and self-assured. She embraces life...something we should all do.

Who knew her hair would grow in red like Sam's?

Aunt Genie with her big sister MariAnn.

Check out these babes!! I was so happy to finally meet Aunt Genie's mom, Annie, and her sister MariAnn.

Before and after the surprise were great too. Beforehand (Friday night), Terri served up tamales (YUM) and Sandy organized a scrapbook party to create a "this is your life" memento for Aunt Gene.

Terri and Daren have such a beautiful home and were such gracious hosts. THANKS!!!

Boys are such cut ups. Don't you love it!!

Dear Aunt Gene......

























































After the party, we went back to Terri's for a lovely walk on the beach. The boys surfed and Kirk and Dwight decided to supervise instead of walking.

Yes Olivia, these are horses on the beach with Mexico in the background.

Later in the day, we went to Paul and Gene's for dinner with the family. MariAnn stuffed us with wonderful food. After dinner, Aunt Gene opened gifts and cards. She was thrilled to get so many cards from across the country and from Sweden. She loved every birthday card and drawing.

Thanks so much to all of you for participating in the surprise!!!

Throughout the weekend, we moved from one "feed" to another. I wished I had scheduled a later flight home on Sunday so that I could have had some of MariAnn's breakfast strada.

This was my first ever visit to CA. I understand why people visit there and never come back. We have gracious family out there! Visiting is great! I highly recommend it.

Margaret