the best {SURPRISE} ever!

Not only did Rory throw me the best 40th birthday party, he pulled off the surprise of the century!

He and my parents had been planning for months to surprise me with a visit!  You see, I've 

been in Australia for 15 years and while my Mom has been out to visit three times, Dad

hadn't made it yet.  I was beginning to think he might never come.  The details of 

how it all came about are many so I won't share.  But on Easter Sunday, I

was getting ready to leave for church and the garage door opened. 

It was just the kids and I home as Rory had gone to play

guitar in the early service (or so I thought)!  He 

had actually driven the two hour round trip

to and from the the airport to pick

them up.  When I went out 

to see why the door

was open,

I saw

Mom and

Dad getting out 

of the car!  It was the

most amazing surprise!  I 

ran to them and immediately 

began sobbing.  I was overwhelmed,

in a good way.  My sister Ellie didn't know 

that they were coming either.  She was at the church

service I had planned to go to, so we hung out at home and 

then surprised her at the end of that service!  It was so much fun

to not only be surprised but then be able to be part of surprising someone

else!  The photo above is just after we surprised her.  Mom and Dad stayed for 

two WONDERFUL weeks.  Of course, we had nothing planned so we just decided what

we wanted to do as the days arrived.  We did some touristy things, but mostly we 

did what we all love most ... spent time together.  Cooking, eating, talking,

playing cards and board games.  Lots and lots of cards and board games.

The weather wasn't great.  It rained a lot but it didn't matter.  We 

still got to do breakfast at the beach ... we did it under cover

and had no problem getting parking or a BBQ!  We 

watched a movie or two.  We went to an indoor

play place.  Had scones with jam and cream

in a tiny little cafe while the rain poured

down around us!  I loved every

minute of their visit and as

with every time we must

part, I look forward

to the next 

time!

xx