Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Successful Surprise

Now, that I excited all of you ..... 

I ventured down to Texas with a mission to surprise 20 of my sweet family members for my Granny Gayle's 80th birthday!!!  

I told them all that it would be too hard to fly to Dallas and drive three hours to the lake for a day and a half party, but in my heart I just knew I just couldn't miss everyone celebrating without me.  Selfish I know!  Granny Gayle is a cancer survivor, the matriarch of our family, and someone who has had a huge influence in molding me into the woman that I am!!

It has been a whirlwind since the party got rescheduled the night before I was suppose to leave town last month when Dallas got dumped on with snow.  Then, my Paw Paw got really sick this last week and we almost had to cancel the party this past weekend all together.  Thankfully, it went off without a hitch.

I still can't believe we pulled it off!
The family was all mingling in the den ... and I pop through the back door
and say, "I heard there was a birthday party!"  
HAHA it was so fun :)


Me, Granny Gayle, and my beautiful cousin Garen

All the girls playing catchup:
Arrie, Gaylen, Me, Ginna, Garen

Then we get our game face on and play cards like the 
good ole' days at ACU.  Liverpool .... My favorite card game by far.  
AND, it brings out my competitive side.

Lots of cuddle time for Paw Paw and Gracelynn Gayle

*We have an picture exactly like this five years ago with all Gayle's hats on when she had peach fuzz from chemo.  She has come so far, and we are in awe of her strength as it's been a journey!

Brooke Family has grown to 23 people!  Everyone present but sweet hubs!

What else do you do when FIVE cheerleaders are together!!!

So thankful for family - These are my sisters I never had!

And now all we do is laugh and look at babies!

And fill a room with love love and more love!

Garen surprised us all with the most amazing gift - a book of photos of our sweet lady of her entire life with all her loved ones.  It will be beautifully displayed on my coffee table, forever!

AND, how precious are these three girls, my nieces!
Berkley (15mths), Gracelynn (6mths), Paisley (12mths)

Thanks to the Glasscock's for hosting such a fabulous party!

I sadly missed my Grandmother Joy's 80th party this past year, and Gabe's Grandfather just celebrated his 80th birthday too.  I just wish I didn't have to miss out on all the fun living so far away.  That's when it makes me so regret living so very very far away.  

**I had so many more photos to upload, but I met my quota and am figuring out if I want to upgrade my account or find another means to upload photos.  More later, and the Apothica winner is next!

33 comments:

Amanda @ New Adventures said...

I'm so glad you got to do this! I am super close with my family as well and I know how hard it is being far away!

Unknown said...

Awwww this was so sweet, I'm so glad it all worked out:-) Grandma looks great for 80!

Candace said...

This is so fun! What a beautiful family you have!

Jessi | Minnesota Mrs. said...

So cute!!! Love the cheerleading call out too. I'd totally do that! And the nieces? I die. So cute!!!

Kristin said...

Hello, I am a new reader from Seattle :) And my husband is from Dallas!
~Kristin
http://kristinday2day.blogspot.com/

Kristen said...

You are just too beautiful. And your Granny?!?! She doesn't look even close to 80! Happy birthday to her :)

And I am obsessed with the movie Love & Other Drugs... and I think of you when I watch it because he works for Pfizer... :)

KW said...

Soooo fun!!! Happy birfday to your gma, what a great surprise!!! And those 3 baby girls?!? I die!!! Do they need a handsome little younger man boyfriend? ;-)

Lindsay said...

Oh my gosh your grannie is ADORABLE girl!

C Mae said...

I totally hear ya on the photo limit...I upgraded it wasn't that expensive...there wasn't much other options LOL

Those babies are getting so big It seems just like the other day you were blogging about little gracelynn

LWLH said...

Looks like you had lots of fun...happy birthday grandma!

Simply Sara said...

Oh yay, thats great that you could surprise your family like that! :) Looks like you had a great time!

All for Love said...

looks like you had a great time!!!! everyone looks great. your neices are beautiful!

Neely said...

What a beautiful family!

Natasha said...

i bet that made everything perfect for your grandmother you being there!! what a fantastic surprise...love the family picture, too my dear!

Aly @ Analyze This said...

Your nieces are adorable!!

What a sweet surprise for your Granny!

Jax said...

What an awesome surprise for your grandma! How fabulous!!! :) The pics to go along with the story were so good! The card game one had me laughing... :)

I admire women like your grandmother that have seen so much in their lives and survived so much...

The cheerleading pic was adorable! I can't believe you can still do that! Way to go, girl! I am SO nervous about my upcoming hip hop dance class b/c I'm afraid I've "lost it." haha...

Unknown said...

You have the most beautiful family ever. Seriously.

Glad you got to go join in the fun! :)

Kelly said...

Yayyy! What an awesome surprise! That makes me smile that you did that and it looks like you had so much fun! I know what you mean about living so far - that's one thing I HATE. I'm missing my niece's 4th birthday this month :(

Mateya said...

What a wonderful surprise! I bet that was so fun and you're family was so glad you could be there!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

How fun!!! I can just imagine how surprised and happy they were to see you there! Good job pulling it off!

Jen said...

What a fun surprise! What a beautiful family :)

Kate said...

How fun! So glad that you were able to be with your family!! Two years ago I surprised my grandmother for her 80th birthday party too!

Leslie said...

How sweet of you to surprise her!!! You have such a gorgeous family! Love all of your pictures!

Devon said...

What a lovely time it seems - nice photos as well! She looks fabulous for 80. Loving the blog x

Ashley said...

You have such a beautiful family !! Cheers to Gram's 80th !!
P.S Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day :)

Katie said...

New Follower! AND- it looks like you had a super wonderful time and are super lucky to have that big family!

Token Yankee said...

Very cute, you look like you have a sweet family. I like all the G names haha.

Anonymous said...

That is so fun! I'm glad you were able to pull off the surprise! You and your cousins look like models by the way! :)

Kelly said...

Omigosh, aren't surprises THE BEST?? I've successfully pulled off two HUGE surprises in the last six month. I'm pretty much addicted ;-) Your whole family is just gorgeous, especially Granny!! Glad you got to be a part of such a special day!

Jamie Pickle said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time! Your family is beautiful.

Ashley said...

what a fun party!! Look at you with those 3 little girls! You will have to have one soon! hahahah :)
I went to my Papa's 80th bday party last night! It wasnt so big though.

Adam and Terese said...

Hi Kelsey! Thanks for following my blog! I need to pick up again blogging again. We got married in September so I haven't had time. On my list of things to do. Yours is great!

Dana said...

What a great surprise for your Grandma and the rest of your family!!! Looks like you all had a wonderful time!!! And your nieces are absolutely adorable!!

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