Surprise!!!

There was a very special gathering Friday night in Clarence, MO.  A spectacular group of folks came together to celebrate my dear husbands birthday.  What made it even more special was that it came as a complete surprise to Marvin!   Even after months of planning and many opportunities for the information to slip out, we got him!  He was truly surprised.  :)

We arranged for everyone to meet at Kemp's Restaurant in Clarence, MO and reserved the back room just for our group.  Everyone else arrived at 5:30 and I got Marvin there around 5:45 (after several errands that just HAD to be run before we could leave town).   :)   The owner did a wonderful job - seating us at first in a separate room.  I was trying to peek around and see if I could spot the others - and truly had no idea how they were planning to 'reveal' themselves.  Then Marsha (Marvin's niece) strolled into the room and said "Excuse me, but we're lost and wondered if you could help?"  Marvin looked up as it dawned on him who she was and the look on his face was priceless.  Then came Carolyn and Magge... and that began the stream of people!  Everyone filed through and greeted Marvin one at a time.  He couldn't believe the line just kept going!  So many wonderful folks!

Daddy getting everyone ready to come surprise Marvin

Marsha surprising Marvin!

Carolyn giving her brother a big hug.   :)

good folks filing in to greet Marvin

We then moved to the banquet room where they had tables set up to accommodate all of us.  While waiting for dinner to be served we went around the room 'introducing' ourselves and sharing stories about Marvin.   :)  I wish I had thought to have Jackson video that part, but I was too caught up in the moment.  Lots of memorable stories were shared.   :)

What a marvelous group of people!

After a yummy dinner they brought out the cake.  Goodness!  I am SO glad I chose their cake over my own when they asked what we would like to do.  It was stunning!!

Isn't that beautiful?

What a special evening it was.  Wonderful friends and family celebrating a fantastic fella.  Marvin was so touched that everyone came out to celebrate.  It was a special treat to have his sister, Carolyn, and nieces, Marsha and Magge, come all the way up from Tennessee.  I don't think he could have had a more special birthday celebration.  Thanks to all who were a part of it!!


Marvin's take on the evening...
I can't believe it happened!  Laura gave me a surprise birthday party and I had no idea that it was coming.  After running some errands in town Laura and I took off to Clarence, MO for a quote 'birthday dinner, just the two of us'.  After being seated in the bar of Kemp's Restaurant and trying my best to see the menu, a group of people descended on me and it took me a moment to understand what was going on!  It was a wonderful night.  I don't think I stopped smiling from the time my sister walked in the room to greet me until everyone had left the dinner.  A good group of folks that anyone could have an enjoyable evening with.  Laura really did a great job of organizing and making the night such a wonderful night.


Laura's note on Marvin's version.   :)
I just have to share here that Marvin wasn't so keen to begin with on the whole idea of going to Kemp's for dinner.  In fact, as we were getting in the car to head out he said, "I really kind of wish we weren't going out to dinner.  I think I'd just as soon stay home and watch a movie."   Well, he was going and he was going to like it!!   :)  ha!!  And, as you can see, it turned out to be a lovely evening.  He had a terrific time!  :)

Here are a few more photos, but you can see all the photos by clicking this link.

Jerry and Alicia

Daddy and Jim

Megan, Melina, Brenda, Matt and Matthew

Keith, Jim and Jerry

John Howard and LaVonne

Trish and Erick

Carolyn and Magge

Matthew, Julie, Anna and James

Daddy and Arayna

Carly, Jay, Michele and Cole

Keith and Marilyn

Megan and Melina

Mama, Daddy and Carolyn

Marvin and Chester

Jackson was there!  He took most of the photos so wasn't in many himself.  :)

Magge and Jonathan