My brother, Anthony and I created a letter scrapbook for her. Having our family who live near and far write to her with their birthday wishes and fun memories about her. It became quite a tear jerker and I know she will cherish each page. My grandmother, aunt, and cousin drove in from New Mexico to surprise her. I kept them hidden in my house until later in the evening for the big jump out of the closet and yell "surprise!". We were concerned she may have a heart attack, you know, being 50 and all. Luckily, she survived the big surprise!!
Aunt Holly, my sister Jenna, and the birthday girl...mom!
We took her to a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Phoenix Zoo. Tickets that Anthony and this girlfriend, Kori, got at a silent auction. With 2 private zoo keeper guides, we rode all over the zoo, through the employee areas, seeing things you don't get to experience in a general admission. Going to the zoo will never be the same again....experiencing the elephant barn, feeding them Crystal Light and cookies right into their trunks, walking in exhibits and feeding ancient, giant tortoises. Such a wonderful tour!!
Feeding the tortoises
Aunt Holly, Mom, and Cousin Lauren
Elephant cookies
Anth and I pampered my mom (and our guests) with a homemade brunch, complete with an omelet station and belini bar. Mom was assigned to relax, drink champagne, and don't lift a finger!
Slaving in the kitchen
Just a snapshot of our amazing weekend with family! We laughed so hard, we cried, we ate and ate and ate, played games late into the night, and complained about smelling like elephant!
Happy Birthday Mama! I love you so very much!!
