Africa Interrupted - Daddy's 60th Birthday Party

Worthy of interrupting my post-blogging from Africa is a quick shout out to my Dad. We pulled off a surprise 60th birthday party for my dad yesterday evening. It was held at one of our favorite restaurants, Shuang Cheng in Dinkytown, that our family loves gathering at for dinners, special occasions, etc. We drove my dad and cousin to the dinner just as we always have so no suspicions there. However, we arrived about 15 minutes earlier than we should have. We needed to stall. So, we said our reservations weren't until 6:15 and got my dad to agree to showing our cousin the U of M campus because we'd just have to sit around and wait for everyone else if we got there too early. We drove around for awhile pointing out the various sights and hot spots to see. Finally it was time to get to the party so we headed over to the restaurant.

As luck would have it, as we parked the car, one of my dad's late-arrival friends walks through the lot on his way to the restaurant. I think my dad was puzzled by his presence, but didn't really put two and two together. I also tried to throw my dad off by greeting my dad's friend and asking where he was eating dinner. When he answered, "Shuang," I shot back with ,"Wow - what a coincidence!" Fortunately with having to get Keira out of the car we were a few steps behind his friend who managed to hurry and get to the restaurant and take his place.

We entered the restaurant and headed to the back room where we could only see my family through the doors...I think he started hearing some of the noise though because he slowed his steps down. Anyway, as he entered the room, his family and friends (about 50 of us) yelled, "Surprise!" and broke out into the "Happy Birthday" song. I think he was truly surprised and most importantly, was happy. I haven't seen him smile the way he did in a long time. It was great to see.

Anyway, the evening went on with great food (a lot of it), fun conversation, yummy cake, surprising gifts and cards (wow - I didn't realize old"er" people could be so dirty) and we just had an overall fun time. Everyone headed out after dinner, but my dad and some of this cronies were going to continue the party elsewhere. Go dad! 

So, Happy Birthday pops! Thanks for being such a great dad and we can't wait to celebrate the next milestone with you. We love you.

Dad and his awesome kids

Delicious tiramisu cake compliments of my aunt and uncle

The guest of honor, my dad

Dad and some of his "old" cronies

Going through cards and gifts