Surprise!

Last Saturday, June 11th, we had a special surprise 70th birthday party for Jon's mom, Jean.  (Technically, her birthday is on March 8th.)  She had absolutely NO IDEA about the party, which is truly amazing in and of itself.  Jean has a way of figuring out things that go on without us telling her.  :-) 

 Jean kept asking me and Jon when we thought we'd be home over the summer and we always told her the end of June or the first part of July!  Also, I send her texts on a regular basis that have pictures of the kids attached so she can see them on an almost daily basis.  I continued sending these texts with pictures of the Munchkins at our house even up to the morning of the party, just to throw her off.  

So, the day of the party, her granddaughter, Stephanie invited Jean to join her for coffee.  On the way there, Tracey, Jean's daughter and Stephanie's mom called and asked for Stephanie to stop by the church to do something for her.  Tracey works at the church, so this was not out of the norm.  Well, instead of stopping by for a quick minute, as requested, we (her family) were all inside ready to surprise her.  The family was there initially, and then some friends stopped by throughout the afternoon.

  

This is the moment Jean (and Stephanie) arrived at the party... still having no idea!

Jean receiving a hug from Brad, Anne's husband with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren in the background.

Jean with her older brother, Dick. 

 (I think she was still in shock!)

The room where the party was held.  The grandchildren drew and colored pictures for Jean.  We used them as table decorations along with balloons and tissue paper flowers.

Pat and Teresa's family

(L-R) Mike, Anne, Brayden, Teresa, Brad, and Pat

Tracey and Kenny

Jon, Tracey, Jean, and Pat

The grandchildren...

Preston, Stephanie, Ava, Anne, Andrew, Mike, and Eric

The Whole Lockard Family...

Mike, Brad, Teresa, Anne, Brayden, Buddy, Pat, Julie, Jon, Sissy, Eric, Hadley, Tracey, Jean, Kenny, Preston, Stephanie, and Lucas.

We all had a great time celebrating with family and friends.  Later that day,  Jon told me that Jean thought it was the perfect day!  She loved that her whole family was all together to celebrate!  We all live in different parts of the country, so she was impressed and amazed that we were all there.

Happy Birthday, Jean!  We all love you!