Happy 50th Poppa!

As reported two posts ago, the weekend before school we three traveled to Kansas to celebrate my dad's 50th birthday. My mom, siblings, and I planned a surprise party for him the day before his actual birthday. The morning of the party my brother drove Dad to No-wheres-ville, Kansas some two hours north and east of where my parents live so that he could pick out his own concealed carry handgun. Last spring all the boys got their licenses and now Dad needed the gun to go with.

I wish I had a picture of it. Are you ready for this? The gun he selected is hot pink. HOT PINK.

Saturday evening family and friends gathered together at the local American Legion for the party. My sister's husband, Jerad, smoked pork for the meat and it was awesome. The rest of the dishes were potluck style...and, also quite delicious. There was a big cake and lots of "over the hill" fun presents. I think Dad was genuinely surprised, so that really made it worth all the trouble of planning a surprise.

Let me "see" the cake, Poppa.

Whoops. It was just a little icing removed...

All the kids, significant others, and grandkids.

Gabe likes presents.

What's in there, Poppa?

Oh. Ewww...

Happy birthday Dad! And, congratulations on making it to 50. We'd be glad to have you around for at least another 50 if you're up for it. We love you!