Welcome to the Herb Family: Special Guests and a Special Birthday

This past weekend we had a special visit from my Grandma Rhilda and Aunt Kay who flew in from San Francisco to be a part of my dad's 60th birthday celebration. Grandma and Kay arrived on Friday afternoon which was a surprise to my dad, well....let's call it half a surprise. He knew they were coming for his birthday, he just didn't know that it was on this particular weekend since his actual birthday isn't until November 8th. (long story so won't go into that here). So, I had invited dad over for a visit while my brother Chris went to get our guests at the airport. Then, as we were finishing up a snack, there was a knock at the door and since I had just received an important phone call (wink, wink), I asked dad to answer the door. It was a great surprise and a wonderful start to a very fun packed weekend.

My Grandma, Sami's Great Grandma

I was so proud of Sami, who quickly warmed up to her Great Grandma who she hadn't seen in several months and Auntie Kay who she met for the first time. She spent lots of quality time with both of them and, thankfully, was very well behaved.

Breakfast at our house. Andrew made a delicious breakfast casserole.

On Saturday the rain stopped long enough for us to take a stroll through downtown Snohomish. We arrived just in time to see the great Pumpkin River Race and, of course, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy a tasty ice cream.

Ryan enjoying the Pumpkin River Race.

Sami petting a tree

Enjoying a view of the Snohomish River below

Yummy good ice cream!

Ice cream is the secret to a long and healthy life!

Sunday was the surprise party and once again, despite all our efforts, it wasn't exactly a suprise to dad (he's just too smart) but he didn't let on that he knew what we were planning so we still had a lot of fun sneeking and planning for the big event.

Dad got lots of comments about how difficult it was going to be to blow out all the candles.....that is....until he pulled out his trusty air compressor. Blew those suckers out in a split second. Never underestimate a general contractor and the gadgets he has in his garage!