Dad's Surprise 60th

Ten years ago, Dad turned 50 and that same summer Eric and I were preparing for our wedding.  With the wedding chaos, bridal showers, etc., Dad's birthday was unfortunately overshadowed and nothing big was done for it.  Because of that, I have wanted to do something big and special for Dad's 60th birthday for the last decade.  Through the years, Mom and Aaron and I have discussed it, and all agreed that when the time came, we would throw him a surprise party.  Since Dad is our very own Cookie Monster, it was agreed that the party would have a Cookie Monster theme.  Then, in October of last year, Eric and I found out that we are expecting and that threw all of our party ideas out the window.  We still wanted to do something special, but were not sure how to make it happen, since his birthday is less than three weeks before our due date and I would not be able to travel up North for a party.  That is why we celebrated Dad's upcoming 60th birthday with a surprise party at our home last weekend.  Since Mom and Dad were already going to be down here for Caleb's 1st birthday, we figured it was the best time to have a party for Dad too!  We still went with the Cookie Monster theme, but the guest list changed quite a bit.  We had invited some of Dad's closest friends and family, but because of the travel distance only a few people were able to make it.  On the plus side, since the party was in Southern Wisconsin a few of Dad's cousins from his Mom's side (that live in Illinois) were able to make it, that probably would not have been able to make it if we had had the party in the UP.

Originally, the party was supposed to be at 1:00, but Aaron got the idea of entertaining Dad at a train show before the party, so it was moved to 2:00.  Everyone showed up between 1:00 & 2:00, and waited in the dining room until Dad, Aaron & Micah showed up.  Then we yelled surprise and the party was on.  We feasted on a bunch of food that Mom prepared, and some burgers & brat patties from the Meat Locker.  We also had a dessert table set up with Cookie Monster cupcakes that I made, and a lot of cookies (we asked everyone to bring their favorite cookie to the party to share...and found out that pretty much everyone LOVES chocolate chip cookies!).  As is Migrin tradition, we also had some M&M's to share.

Everyone awaiting Dad's arrival.

The Cookie Monster Cupcakes I made...it took 2.5 bottles of blue food coloring to make the frosting this color.

The dessert table. 

Dad, after the big surprise.

The rest of the party was spent enjoying the gorgeous day outside and visiting with the party-goers.  In addition to Dad's cousins and our immediate family, Aunt Carol & Uncle Joe made it and Brandon made it...it wasn't exactly the big party that I had had in mind for 10 years, but it was fun, Dad was surprised, and he got to see family that he doesn't see often.  In the end, I think everything went as well as it could have and best of all Dad knows that he is loved greatly by all of us...making the party a great success! :)

Child Labor: Caleb mowing our lawn

Dad visiting with his cousins (& their spouses)

Caleb was not a happy boy...tired and 4 teeth on their way out do not make for a great baby mood.

My monkey.

Aaron & Erika's Monkey

Mom bought a pool for the boys (& Bono in the future) to enjoy at our house...I had to use it to cool of my very swollen ankles and piggies.

Micah eating his Cookie Monster cupcake.

I love how his leg is crossed in this picture...just chillin' in the lawn chair eating a cupcake!

A family picture.  We were going to all wear Cookie Monster T-Shirts, but it didn't work out...so we just wore blue in honor of our lovable Cookie Monster.

We hope you have a great 60th Birthday and an amazing new decade ahead Dad!  We love you!!

06.03.12: Today we celebrated Dad’s upcoming 60th birthday by throwing him a Cookie Monster themed surprise party at our house.  For years, we have wanted to do something special for him, since our wedding overshadowed his 50th. Now, Bono kept us from doing a party in the UP, so things changed and we celebrated in Kenosha.  It was a small party with just our family, some of Dad’s cousins, Aunt Carol & Uncle Joe and Brandon, but we still had a good time and Dad was happy, and knows he’s loved...all that matters.