Sunday, December 31, 2006

Birthday Extravaganza/ Shopping

We had quite the birthday festivities yesterday. My sister in law is turning 40 and her husband threw her a giant surprise birthday party. He planned a bowling party at the Union Bowling Alley at the U of U. His cover story was that they needed to attend a student organization fundraiser (he works at the U). The fundraiser would include selling baked goods and watching the movie "Outbreak", which is even more entertaining since he is in the public health field. He had his secretary call and ask her to bring 2 dozen brownies that they would be auctioning off. Seriously- this guy is a total crack up and had an answer for EVERYTHING. She NEVER suspected. They invited us to attend but made sure we: 1. didn't feel obligated and 2. we weren't required to donate any money to this thing. We obviously already knew about the party, so it was entertaining listening to her. But, by far, my favorite part of the night- she was commenting on a car in the parking lot that had 2 video screens. She was telling me that her friend had the same thing in her car. IT WAS HER FRIEND'S CAR and she didn't even notice. She was also totally flustered, because just as we were walking out the othe house her daughter told her "she couldn't wear that and she needed to change" (she looked perfectly fine to me). When we walked into the bowling alley with all of her friends- the look on her face was priceless. It was great. We later found out that she was getting after her husband in the car (we drove separately) about even attending the thing, since there was family in town. It all worked out and she had a great party. Her husband even bought her a bowling shirt with her name on the front and "40 and Foxy" on the back. It was fun. I bowled terribly, but had a great time. My sister in law just kept saying- she couldn't believe it and how many of us knew (everyone)?

We had to leave that party a little early to make it to my nephews party. He wanted to go to a hockey game. We only got to see 1 quarter (we sent Lulu with my sister), but it was fun to see everyone outside of the mass chaos of moving. My mom was still really emotional and my dad was already on his way in the truck to Seattle, but it was nice to see my family again (we have relocated to Adam's brother's house). Lulu even got a puck. My nephew thought it was the coolest thing ever and his little friends had a great time.

My other major event: I went shopping with my 14 year old niece. I remember that phase and hated it. She was looking for a new dress to wear to a fireside and evidently she and her mother have been looking for quite awhile now. It was fun, but difficult. We went to BR, Anthropologie, the Gap and couldn't find ANYTHING. Well- I found lots of darling things that I would buy, but she just wasn't sold on anything. I'm sure she was disappointed and TIRED of looking. She is also in the phase when nothing fits her quite right. We decided that the little girls and my brother in law had a much better shopping experience- eating ice cream and making dogs at Build a Bear. Luckily Adam was off fishing- he would have had a terrible time.

I will say- I really love my sister in law. She was so patient and amazing through the whole shopping experience. Her kids are really good and grounded kids and just all around GREAT kids. It has been nice spending time with her and her family. Another fabulous reason to move back.

9 comments:

Jill said...

That surprise party sounds fantastic! It's so cool that she was seriously surprised. I'm very impressed that her husband was so organized, what a great way to turn 40.

everything pink! said...

Happy New Year!

Amy said...

The bowling party sounds like so much fun! What a great husband she has. Does he belong to you or Adam?

Isn't it nice to have people in our lives who are good examples of motherhood? Your sister in law sounds like such a person. I would be totally stressed by the dress situation. I hate clothes shopping, and I dread the day when not everything I buy for Kaitlin looks good on her.

michelle said...

Love the story of the surprise party, those can be hard to pull off! It's wonderful to love your sister in law, isn't it?

amy gretchen said...

How exciting for your sister in law. I like the idea of surprises, but don't think I like them for myself.

It's hard to imagine going to anthropologie and not finding something I wanted. It is rare though that I buy anything due to the prices.

I think it's awesome you have a relationship with your sister in law. I feel the same way about mine. So lucky to have them in my life.

Anonymous said...

Sounds so fun Lara--must have felt really good after having the emotional stress from the big move. I hope your parents are settling in now. Alph threw me a birthday surprise party a few years ago and that feeling is just crazy! Happy New Year!

Amie said...

This is so funny. Her husband sounds hilarious, I would have loved hearing all the details to his story. It sounds like a great party.

I would have a hard time with the move too. I hope your parents love Seattle.

skbkmjfamily said...

I am glad you are enjoying your visit with all the other fun crazy things going on. I would love to have a surprise party like that, how fun for everyone involved and that you got to be there.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip when you get home.

Julia said...

What an awesome party. I am very impressed at how thoughtful he is, and even more impressed that he pulled it off.

I can completely relate to the shopping experience. I remember in high school when we would have to buy dresses for dances, and it seemed like I could never find anything that was my taste. Back in the day everything was so frilly (oh the 90's). I have always been more of the classy simple cocktail dress type. I hope she was able to find something.