JoAnn C's Surprise 40th Birthday Party

A few weeks ago, Jill S (jillismarie) and I got together and started to plan a surprise party for JoAnn C's (joanninct) 40^th birthday. We contacted family and friends and Jill was even able to get in touch with some of JoAnn's coworkers.

Here is the setup: JoAnn and I go out to dinner for our birthdays every year, so JoAnn and I set a date for her birthday dinner. I told her I wanted to come down a little earlier in the afternoon and do a little shopping. One of the stores near her carries a shampoo that I like that I can't find anywhere else.

The party started at 2pm yesterday. I arrived at Jill's house early to drop off food and help set up. While there, JoAnn called to see if I was on my way yet and how soon I'd be there to pick her up. Of course I have a certain ringtone for her and told everyone it was her before I answered, so everyone kept quiet.

Trevor and I left and went over to JoAnn's. Before going in, I called Jill to let her know I was there so she could wait a few minutes and call JoAnn. We were finally exchanging our Christmas gifts and just chit chatting about her Hawaii trip when Jill "just happened to call". She asked JoAnn if we'd like to come over to meet her baby while we were in the area. Of course, who can turn down seeing a baby? J

I have to say Trevor did a great job at playing dumb and asking for directions to Jill's house. He usually cannot keep a straight face. When we get to Jill's, JoAnn recognizes Jill's in law's car, but thought nothing of it. It's when we pulled into the driveway behind her brother's car with out of state plates that she realized she'd been set up. Boy was she surprised! She never suspected a thing.

We planned a "wine" theme. My sis in law made a beautiful cake for the party. I contacted JoAnn's family members and had them send me photos of her life. Her mom sent me a big pack of prints to choose from. I made a 20x30 photo collage through Snapfish with the pictures. And just a plug for Snapfish, the poster turned out beautifully. I captioned it with "Like fine wine, JoAnn keeps improving with age."  I gave the pack of prints back to JoAnn during the party so she could reminisce with everyone.

JoAnn got lots of great presents. I'm sure she'll post an article about the party as well, so I will let her tell you about her gifts. I do have to say though, I wish you all could have seen her face when she got a flat package. She takes the wrapping paper off and sees a big envelope. Of course, she's looking at it like "okaaaay, it's an envelope?". Then she flips it over and sees a certain gather pal's return address on the envelope (thanks for using a big envelope Heather!). She opens up the envelope and inside are lots of cards from her gather friends. Another big surprise! Thank you all who were able to send a card. It meant a lot to me, as I'm sure it did to JoAnn.

I did take lots of photos and will be posting them separately as time permits. Be on the lookout! But for now, I have to take off for JoAnn's house so we can watch the superbowl together. GO STEELERS!