With joy in our hearts, the family headed to Sarasota, for the 

Surprise 90th Birthday Party For our Mom!

The magical day was May 12th, but the celebrations began on May 10th - as a single day just would not hold all the celebrations The Sisters had planned. 

1st the Attendees...  Bossy Sister Laurie with her 2 kids were there. Jean, Steven and their son John & Family attended - with newborn Emma Rose stealing the show.

Nancy and Randy's entire family were there including love smitten Tommy Glassgow still fawning over new Babe Bride Jaclyn.  As for our Family - Kathy, Brett, Brad and Pint Sized Tina presented themselves, having all arrived on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

Sadly Scott & Nina, Bryan & Sabrina's Family and Ben & Jordan's family could not get away - they were missed.

First event was on the Saturday, May 10th, where we all gathered at Demetrio's Pizza to surprise Mom.   Jean and Steven brought her in as we all yelled "SURPRISE!".   

Mom clutched her heart, sank to the floor and lay still!  OH NO - WE'D DONE HER IN!  

Just joking, as a tearfest gripped us all after the Surprise of the Surprise.  We bounded over to Mom all giving her a hug, kiss and a Happy Birthday!  Mom was overwhelmed to see so many of her family who had traveled from as far away as Colorado to celebrate her big day!  The Family At Their Best!

On the Morrow, we all met Mom at Church - where Mom could look out from her Perch in the Choir and see her whole Legacy before her.  Among all our Blessings, we thanked God for Mom and the long life he has given her.  Following the service, Birthday Cake and Coffee were served out on the Church Patio.  We then went out for a quick Barbeque Bite at Stottlemeyer's just down the street from Church.

That evening, Jolie had organized a Family Photo Shoot with a professional Photog on Siesta Key Beach.  Though windy - the Photos will make a wonderful memento for Mom of this milestone. 

Monday The 12th Dawned Her Actual Birthday  

Mom awoke to a huge sign on her front lawn at Sunnyside.  Most met for breakfast at the world's best buffet - Der Dutchman - where all the Bacon you can stuff down your neck is encouraged.  No one bakes better Pastries than these Amish Artisans.

But, as it should be, the highlight of the whole weekend of celebrations occurred at Mom's Birthday dinner held that night at Miguel's on the Key.  In true Florida fashion we assembled for the Early Bird Special at 5pm - providing us a significant discount to the usual price list.

We had the whole back of the restaurant across 3 tables, where the merriment ensued.  The dinner was excellent, as served by Star Waiter Sean.  Following Dinner, Sean appeared with a monstrous Snifter of some sort of Liqueur and presented the fishbowl to Mom.   

Well the Devout, Pious Church Lady didn't miss a beat.

She grabbed that Giant Snifter and hit it HARD !     

The entire restaurant cheered Mom on!   The visual highlight of the whole weekend.

After the dinner we retired to the Harbor Tower PlayRoom where we intended to have yet another Birthday Cake for Mom, but since we were so full - it sat there - Lovely but Uneaten.

As Mom looked round the room, the Cousins were having fun - the Grandkids were having fun & Mom's kids were having fun - while Mom watched with Happiness and Joy.  Like Mary, she pondered these things in her Heart.  

God Bless Mom On This Her 90th Birthday!

Praise Be To God for the life of our mother.

Save the date...   May 12th, 2035 - her hundredth Birthday Party awaits!

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