For my Dad's 86th birthday, I decided to throw a SURPRISE party for him.  I made and sent out the above invitation to his friends and neighbors.  As his birthday approached, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull it off.  He had not been feeling well, it was too late to call off the party, the decorations and snacks were all bought, and the cake was ordered and delivered (thanks Vicki!), and I was afraid I was going to have to tell him about it ... BUT it all worked out just great!

On the night of his birthday, my sister, Vicki; her friend, Gary; our cousin, Hal; and I were all going to take Dad, and Mom too of course, out for dinner (or so he thought).  Vicki and Gary arrived at 5 and we all sat and visited for a few minutes.  When the time came to leave for the restaurant, I begged off with a terrible backache! and Hal offered to stay with me and go out to get us dinner. As soon as Vicki, Gary and the folks were out of sight, I called our neighbor, Sally, and she came up to help Hal and I decorate.  (THANK YOU SALLY!)  Balloons were blown up, streamers put up, coffee and punch made, snacks put out and the cake displayed.

Just before 7, the Guests started arriving!

All the Guests were present by the time Vicki, Gary and the folks came back from dinner, shortly after 7.  We had all the lights off in the living room (Daddy noticed and couldn't understand why ... hehehe) and when he came through the door, we all hollered SURPRISE! and began to sing Happy Birthday to him.  He was totally blown away and had a completely dumbfounded look on his face!  (Unfortunately, the picture I took as he came in didn't come out, but some shortly after he arrived did.)

Daddy really enjoyed seeing all his friends and had a nice visit with them.  Some had come from southern CA, and he was really surprised to see them! Soon it was time for his cake and with candles lit, Carol gave it to him (I was busy taking pictures.)  We all sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him and he blew out the candles.

Dale had a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY song, he sang to him.

Because Daddy had not been feeling well and was tired, he opted not to open his gifts that night, and so by the time 9 pm arrived, all the guests had left.  Gary, Vicki, Hal and I were still there of course, and Gary took pictures of the family.

The next day, Vicki and Gary came over and with family present, Daddy opened his gifts. (He received some really nice things!  THANK YOU everyone!) Daddy said he couldn't remember ever having a birthday party before, and really enjoyed it.  THANK YOU to all his friends and neighbors, who came and made his day special!