Happy Birthday Mom & Dad!

We had a pretty fun weekend celebrating both of my parents' birthdays... my dad's was yesterday (May 3) and my mom's is today (May 4). They're one year and one day apart in age... and this year was extra-special because my mom turned the big 5-0! We surprised her with dinner at Bravo on Thursday night, which was organized entirely by Jim Arnett himself, planning his first-ever event. It turned out so well he may want to consider going into business. :)

When my mom got to the restaurant, she thought she was meeting just our immediate family for dinner. However, the surprise included our entire family and all of her wonderful work buddies. It was also Logan's first birthday party... and as you may be able to see in this first picture, he was beyond himself with excitement!

Seriously, how cute are they? My mom was shocked to hear all about how my dad pulled it off--although the biggest surprise was just the fact that he was able to keep the secret!

My grandpa said, "I wouldn't miss this for anything... I was there 50 years ago and I'm still here today!" Keith then chimed in, saying... "Aunt Deb, I just realized that Logan is as close to your age as you are to 100!"

Mom, Justin, Jason, Steph, Christina (my dad's youngest sister), her husband Brian, me, and Dad... also our delicious appetizers and dinner menus. :)

Morgan just started playing the clarinet at school. She learned Happy Birthday just for the occasion and did a GREAT job with it! We were all pretty impressed, especially that she played it in front of all those people.

Erin, me, and John. We were in a private room and the staff was fabulous. They really took care of us and helped to make it such a memorable night. Our family has always been big on spending birthdays together, and now that we're all a little older, it's nice to be able to go out to a nice restaurant and spend an evening just kicking back and relaxing with great food and conversation.

Friday we went back to Livonia for pizza and presents. Justin and I got my parents a personalized address embosser from Expressionery.com--and now I want one for myself! It's a pretty cool little toy!

On a more serious note... I know I've been kind of sappy lately, posting about being proud of Justin and everything, so if you want to get out before the cheese starts, this is fair warning. The thing that really made this weekend special was just the idea that we were able to celebrate the lives of two people who inspire and encourage us (and so many others) daily. Both of my parents work so hard and give so much of themselves without asking anything in return--a rare trait--and having the opportunity to do something nice for them really just fills me with joy. It's awesome to hear people say what great parents we have, and how they've blessed their lives, and on and on. It never gets old! And I have to say, although they're now both officially "over the hill" ... it still doesn't seem like they ever get old, either (I'm thankful for those genes!). :)

We love you, Mom and Dad! Happy birthday, and thank you for being such amazing people!