Not a surprise anymore...

Ali has regained control of the blog and has some major catching up to do. Back in early November (I know, I know), we surprised my mother with a trip home for her birthday (the one that has a 6 and a 0 in it). Between us in New Mexico, my sister in Philly, my father being her constant companion and my brother and his wife, we pulled off the surprise party of the century! Because November in Pennsylvania is anything but, we decided on a topical theme. What we hadn't counted on was how excited the guests would be with the theme. Panama hats and tropical print shirts were pulled out as well as a few moo moos and and sarongs.


The necessity of having to stay out of town for most of the day was the perfect excuse to catch up and spend the day with my oldest and dearest friend. We have done some of our most important firsts together - the walking and talking stuff, I mean.

A visit home is never complete without a family meal, or snow for that matter it appears. Notice the birthday girls is still wearing her birthday tiara. What have we created? As it turns out, the snow wasn't a deterrent in our travel plans, nut does a great job of reminding us why we live in the southwest now. Happy Birthday Mom!