Can you say surprised!

Every November for the last 10 years we have had a party with usually 20-30 friends and relatives over. The mix of people changes over time for one reason or another,  and we always ask for food bank donations.

This year I turn 40, shortly after party time. Larissa took it upon herself to celebrate my birthday sort of in conjunction with the party, and by organizing a huge surprise.

This is how it went down... Our party was set for Saturday, and I was waiting for Larissa and the kids to pick me up from work when I got an email that my photo shoot that evening was canceled. Oh well. She said she had a challenging day with the kids and she worked hard getting ready for the party and there was not much getting ready left to do, so she hired a sitter, and wanted to go out for dinner.

I said ok.

When I got to the restaurant, I found my sister and brother in-law. I found my aunt and uncle from Saint John, and I found my dad and his wife from Cranbrook, BC! I was totally surprised!

After I calmed down a bit, and settled in, I ordered a drink. The person who brought it out was one of my best friends from Ontario! I was speechless!

I gave him a big hug and we chatted for a few minutes. I had a big  grin on my face and was still stunned.

We ordered a bottle of wine, and when it came, who was holding it but my other best friend, all the way from Israel!

Everyone was concerned that I was going to have a heart attack.  :-)

We had a fantastic dinner and an awesome party the next night. It was so good to see everyone, it had been so long. We had a good but short visit.

Larissa had been planning since July.

I think it still hasn't sunk in all the way yet.

- André