Steven's Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Earlier this month, I ventured to Tennessee to attend my BIL's surprise 40th birthday. What fun! Can you believe Steven is 40 already? I would make some jokes, but I think he heard plenty the night of his party. Plus, truth be told, we're not too far behind ...

My sister did a fabulous job of pulling this off--especially considering that they were gone to Disney for a week the week prior to the party. She had some amazing help, though! AMAZING, I tell you. (You people know who you are.) And she was incredibly thankful!

I am guessing there were close to 100 people in attendance at this gig. Some traveled many miles and made other sacrifices to be there--said they would not have missed it. And there would have been more there if the big event hadn't coincided with a wedding that several peeps were attending. Steven is very blessed and very loved.


Here is Steven being led into the fellowship hall by Robin and Riley. (Rebekah had walked in a second or two before.)


SURPRISE has been yelled (and pretty darn loud and coordinated for such a large crowd and without practice, I might add) ... and the blindfold removed. Steven was very surprised! He knew he was at church, but he had no idea what was going on ...


Robin had a wheelchair waiting for the old man.


Here he is in his birthday hat and necklace enjoying a hamburger dinner with all the fixings.


After everyone was served, we watched a slideshow. It was fantastic--it made me laugh, and it made me cry.


Next up ... cake! Oh my ... the cake was soooooo good! I had a piece for breakfast the next morning. I wish I had a piece right now, actually. (The "4" was red velvet, and the "0" was chocolate.)


The fire department had to help put out all those candles! LOL! (Steven is a volunteer firefighter.)


Steven was roasted by several friends and family. There were some pretty hilarious and touching stories shared. Some who couldn't attend sent letters to be read. Pictured above is Kevin--he thought Steven needed more cowbell. LOL!


Steven and Riley enjoying the party ...


Afterward, the girls kept us entertained while we were cleaning up.


Robin and Carrie--Carrie and her family did soooooo much to make the party a success!

HAPPY 40th, STEVEN! Here's to 40 more ... and then some!

Matchy-Matchy

This morning, Kate and I wore our matchy-matchy Hanna Andersson to church. People probably thought we were dorks, but I don't care. ;o) Tanna took our picture outside of Publix. A lady in the elevator asked if I made our outfits. haha! I wish I could sew, though. Maybe I will learn one day ...

P.S. I know you are totally jealous of my pasty-white legs!

A Walk with Ah-Pah

Things have been pretty busy around here. Since Wednesday of last week, Tanna has either been out of town or had dinner meetings every night--with the exception of Monday night. And that night, he didn't get home from work until after 7. Anyway, we've missed having him around. (Kate will sometimes point at the door and say, "Ah-Pah, Ah-Pah, Ah-Pah!" She loves that old man! ;o)) Anyway, today Tanna was able to get home a little earlier than usual, so he took Kate out for a walk to enjoy the nice warm weather. She had a blast. I know she was excited to go out--just her and her dad. She came back all happy and with the reddest cheeks I think I've seen on her. hahaha! Tanna snapped these pics on his iPhone--not too bad for iPhone photos, huh?









P.S. Thanks, Georgia, for the outfit--it is too cute!

Meanwhile ... Back at the Ranch ...

Abigail and one of her deer friends

Yes, this post is long overdue! Back when Johnny, Anne, and the girls were here last month, we went to Yellow River Game Ranch and had the best time! I took a ton of photos, so here is just a smidgen ...


They will eat right out of your hand!


See?


Anna-Claire gets in on the action.


Pierce Family Pic


These animals are not shy!


Kate and a peacock--they kind of match!


Nice!


Bok! Bok!


Bunnies!


Did you know that bunnies eat Cheerios?


Feeding the donkeys


Having a great time!


In front of the groundhog's house--he didn't make an appearance while we were there. Oh well ...


Abba, A-C and me by the groundhog area


Do you like the sign? I guess it helps avoid any confusion or misunderstanding ...


Kate takes a ride in A-C's stroller.


A squirrel!


Speaking of squirrels ... this one just climbed right on up the stroller and around Kate's head! I was freaking out, but still managed to snap a photo. That is talent, my friends!


When things calmed down, we fed some more deer.


Anna-Claire, too!


Group pic--this was about the best we could get with the timer. I was afraid a goat was going to eat the camera. Seriously.


N*B*C

Celebrity Saturday--Paula Deen

It's Paula Deen, y'all! On Friday of last week (Good Friday), we met Mrs. Deen at a booksigning at a Kroger in Sandy Springs. The weather was questionable (we had some storms later that evening), so we were on the fence about whether to go. But at the last minute, we decided to venture out and see what we could see.

We got there toward the last part of the event, but there was still time to buy a book and get in line. Tanna bought Paula Deen's My First Cookbook for Kate--an excellent choice. It is a really cute book, and Kate loves to look at it and turn the pages.

After a brief wait in line, it was our turn to get our book signed. Tanna snapped a few photos while we said hello to Paula Deen and her DH, Michael Groover. Flat Stanley was with us for the occasion, and when she spied him, Paula Deen said, "Oh, you have a Flat Stanley!" She was more than happy to have a photo made with him! :o) Our book had been autographed and there were more people waiting, so we exchanged pleasantries and Kate blew Paula Deen a kiss--and Paula Deen blew one back to her. So sweet.

It was a fun outing, and we are glad we went! I'll have to write about eating at The Lady & Sons, Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah, one day soon. Until then, here are a few photos from last week:


Waiting in line


Kate is so excited and can't wait to get her book autographed!


Signing Kate's book


Flat Stanley makes an appearance while Michael Groover signs Kate's book.


Tanna, Kate and Paula Deen


Kate loves her new cookbook!

Aquarium Adventure

Last month, my brother and his family came to visit over their spring break. We packed a lot of fun into a few days--including a visit to Georgia Aquarium. (We are members there--so if you ever want to go, please let me know!) My niece Abigail loves animals and critters of all types, so we knew she would really enjoy it, and she did! Here are a few photos from our morning at the world's largest aquarium ...

The Pierce Family ... getting ready to enter ...


Kate and me in front of the big fish wall (can't remember its official name)


And the Pierce fam again ...


Abigail and Anna-Claire having fun


Look!


Walking through the tunnel ...
Kate had just had a meltdown at this point because she did not want to go back in the stroller. Ah ... joy!


Anna-Claire and Kate--these two enjoyed eating goldfish crackers.


Kate loved the kiddie area.


I think she would have jumped in if I'd let her.


In front of the beluga whales


And before we left ... we had a peek at the penguins!

We got a great group shot with everyone as we were entering--you know the photos they take, and then they charge you an arm and a leg for? I try to be strong and not buy them--but it was a really good photo. I bought the one of Mom and me from last time, too. And Robin bought the one of us when we went to the Titanic exhibit. They must make a killing on those pictures! (And don't get me started on the parking charges ... that is another post for another day ...)