I don't know if any of you have tried to plan a celebration for a "significant" birthday, but it's not necessarily a piece of cake. This was my first attempt -- does that mean we are still young? I tried the direct approach, "John, anything special you'd like to do for your 60th?" "Whatever you'd like to plan is fine with me." OK. I think that means I'm on my own.
Trying to plan a surprise birthday weekend for John was a bit tricky. First, I had finally corralled all the kids and confirmed that their schedules were conducive for all of us to meet for a family gathering. A time for us to celebrate with those we love and are closest to us -- our family-- that was the best gift I could give to John. Second, I think he had a big party for 5-0 (pre-Anne), so I felt some some friends were waiting for an invitation for a 6-0 repeat. I didn't want to leave the friends out, but wanted a way to include them in the milestone celebration.
So I started to put the plan in motion. First, a note to friends that the celebration would be a family one; and that John would love to have cards from his friends marking his special day. This worked out nicely. John received a flood of cards to open and enjoy throughout the weekend. Also, Lynn and Donnie took John for a "Boys Night Out," and the guys at SCRE popped the champagne and cake on Thursday afternoon!
Now that the kids were committed, I found "the house," organized the transportation to Charlotte and Blowing Rock, got consensus on the menus, shopped for groceries, and loaded up the rental car by noon on Friday. All on the QT -- with Prince in tow!
Birthday Destination -- Blue Ridge Mountains
When John got home on Friday at lunch, we hopped in a fully loaded (food and gear and dog, not automotive accessories) SUV and headed out to pick up Morgan and Michael. The first caravan arrived in Blowing Rock to open up Bella Vista for the weekend. Michelle and Steve arrived shortly after 5, and we all settled in front of the fire with a glass of wine.
Bella Vista Welcome
Blue Ridge Mountains from the back deck
Bubba and Morgan build the first fire.
Steve and Michelle relaxing
After a spaghetti dinner served up by Nan and Morgan, we were hoping that the next arrivals could find the home in the dark. I had been texting Mark and Jen since their planes touched down in Charlotte, trying to give driving directions, describe landmarks, and warn about road conditions in hopes of no one getting lost on the mountain. With several cell phone calls along the hairpin and scantily marked road, the last arrivals pulled up shortly after 9. All the family was in the house!
Chief S'ghetti Cook, Morgan
The Saturday sunrise was beautiful. Of course, only Nan, Bubba and Prince saw the best of Mother Nature's display that morning!
Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains
Morgan rolled out next, and the others soon to follow. After a big breakfast, some serious bridge and chess instruction and Lego building, we decided to take on a hiking day.
Future achitect? Watch out, Mark!
Chess Master, Michael gives Dad a lesson.
Off we headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway and headed south. First we stopped at Price Lake (mile post #296.7), and it was frozen solid! The kids tried skipping and throwing stones to break through the ice, but to no avail. I think Prince would have walked out on the ice, but Steve kept him in check.
Boys will be boys!
Michelle, Steve, Jen, Mark, Michael & Prince
Bubba & Morgan
Next we headed to Linville Falls and Gorge. Several in the group had been before, but all agreed it was the perfect hike for young and old -- easy trails, scenic views, and dog friendly. The day was a natural for hiking. The weather was crisp and sunny, and the exercise kept us warm.
Linville Gorge
Michelle & Morgan
Michael, Jen, Bubba & Prince
Michelle & Steve
Mark drawing the Falls
Mark & Jen
After a good hike, it was time for a late lunch. Mark and Michael had been scoping out the BBQ signs all morning, so we knew what we were having for lunch. It was just a question of which BBQ hut offered the best menu. The Linville option was closed, so we headed back to Blowing Rock. Some hikers worked in a quick nap in the car, and others stopped to get more photos of nature's icy display on the rocks before we stopped at Woodlands BBQ. Good choice and good chow!
40 winks on the road
Back at Bella Vista in front of a big fire, the competitive spirits could no longer be contained. Out came the Scrabble Board, and several big surprises. Nan and Bubba took the early lead with a first word "tragedy" using all 7 letters and scoring a 50 point bonus! Michael and the birthday boy each scored another 7 letter bonus as the score tightened up. Then Bubba drew the "Q," but also a "U." We had Q, U, E, U, E and 2 other letters on the rack. We were hoping to find a spot on the board to go out in style, but Michael had only 3 tiles and was threatening to go out the next round. Could we hold the lead if we were stuck with the 10 point "Q?"
Youngest competitors, Michael & Morgan
Serious strategy session with the science profs
Mark and Jen, in last place, decided to take on a "spoiler" route. After much consultation, Michelle and Steve came up with a big move that catapulted them into second. And Michael -- well, he was bluffing! He could not go out, and we were saved! The elders ruled the night. But, I could see the youngsters were already talking strategy for the re-match.
"Who picked these crummy tiles, Mark?" "Have another glass of wine, Jen. It's going to be a long game."
The kids were in charge for dinner. They swooped into the kitchen and got the birthday dinner cooking in a hurry! After all, we had presents to open and the hot tub was calling.
Happy chefs in the kitchen
Morgan gives the final inspection on the burgers.
Good food and a lively dinner conversation was followed by gift opening! Morgan played her usual gift-opening assistant role, and no wrapping paper or card went unopened or unsupervised!
Cards first!
"I hope we are getting to the gifts soon. Enough of these cards!"
Bubba and Nan and Prince were ready to call it a night and headed to bed. The kids stayed up and baptised the hot tub. It was a good opportunity for them to spend some time together and get to know each other away from their parents. With the sound of clinking bottles, beer and a movie followed. But, even some of the younger set fell asleep before the end of the film.
This is the life!
Early sunrise on Sunday, and Bubba and Prince got the first car off to Charlotte. Steve and Michael had to work on Sunday and headed out early with Morgan and Michelle.
Early morning buddies
Nan made it up around 7, and took an early morning hike with Bubba and Prince down the trail to the deer feeder. Prince was loving the weekend. He had run of the house, no sleeping in the crate, and off the leash for many outdoor treks. Doggie Heaven!
Master of the House
The weather warmed up considerably on Sunday morning, and breakfast with Mark and Jen was an on-deck affair! Can't we cancel work and just stay another day or two? We have finally figured out how to build a fire in the fireplace without setting off the smoke alarm!
Last fire on Sunday morning
After packing up, the four of us headed into Blowing Rock. We nosed around the shoppes and had a bowl of soup at the Six Pence Pub before heading back to Charlotte. Bubba and Nan made a quick stop at Morgan's to drop off some clothes and DVDs that Morgan had "put away" at the cabin, but had not made it back into the luggage at 6 a.m.
Mark and Jen came back to Hallmark to watch the Superbowl with us. We were hoping for a Cardinal win, but maybe that was too much to ask for one weekend. We had more than our fair share of good times with the kids in the past 48 hours.
And the best part is that they are now talking about our next family adventure together!
Nan, Bubba & Prince
