Mom turning 50 was a big deal and we wanted to make her feel special so we...Colbi, Dad, Sean and myself, thought a party would be fun. We did it during spring break so I could be there with my little family (I hate being left out you know) and somewhere along the lines, thought a surprise would be even more fun.
So we set the date, I had my friend Kayley of Pink Coconut Designs make the adorable invites, and started planning. My only problem was that I lived in Texas and didn't know how to plan a party thousands of miles away. Luckily, my mom comes equipped with incredible friends who are always willing to help. Her friend Susan, the lady in orange, as I call her literally said, "I got it." And did it all. She made all the food, ordered the cake, balloons, banner and cup cakes, told us how to set up to make it super cute and even showed up looking amazing. Colbi and I had to run a few errands which I delegated to her and Sean so pretty much I just got to enjoy myself. Except Livy was there so I just dealt with her screaming all night. That story later.
The surprise...We went back and forth on this and were all paranoid that she would find out no matter what we did but I think she was genuinely surprised. My dad had ordered a painting a few weeks ago and it happen to be ready for pick up the day of the party. So I said I was going to a friend's house for dinner with John and the kids, and Colbi and Sean were going out as well. The plan was for mom and dad to go get the picture, get a bite to eat, then make it to the end of a reception in the neighborhood. Mom said she was a little suspicious since my dad NEVER wants to get "a bite to eat" and would rather eat a pb&j at home. So they left at 4:00, family arrived, Colbi and I went to Susan's to help chop and make rice and beans, Sean and John left to get tables, chairs, sonic ice, the cake and the balloons and someone was there to watch my kids. I don't even remember, I was so nervous by this point!
6:30 came and people came to set up. Grams and Gramps Toolson drove in for the party as well as Aunt Stacy and Tiara, and Shannon, Brad, Sharilyn and Tom all from California. So sweet. We got all set up and at 7:08 Sean yelled, "Dad just texted "a minute away!!" We ran into the family room, heard the door open, Sean went to help them carry the painting in and mom stood in the doorway and stared at us...
I think she got a little emotional when she saw how many people had driven many hours to be there. She is very loved, there is no doubt about that.
One of her besties and one of MY favorites, Lucinda. She's the funniest lady I know.
I couldn't sleep for days before thinking that no one would come since it was spring break. But...no worries!
The Toolson family table...Troy, Michelle, Scott, Gramps, Grams
Sharilyn, Lane, Jessie, Tom, Brad, Shannon and my cute Hub
"Bishop Toolson" with the Leons
Three of my favorite women. Melodie (I babysat all 4 of her kids from birth), Lucinda, and Stephanie. If you know me, you know Stephanie. I worked for her every summer in college and loved every minute of it. Love her.
Mom, Stacy, Jessi
Lots of pretty blonde women in Arizona!
And brunettes too!
Mom and dad's trainer, Terrance, his wife Honey and their gorgeous baby girl Jicey.
Colbi made the cutest slide show of some great pictures from mom's life
BFF's Cheri and Susan. Oh, and Susan was watching her THREE grandkids while doing everything for the party too. Geez.
Gorgeous Colbi and the amazing cake (Designer Cakes by April)
Happy Birthday to YOU!! IT was key lime, red velvet, and the best peanut butter chocolate I've ever had.
Cousins
Consoling nut case Livy during one of her fits. She was totally sick, but still. Go to sleep.
We had a lot of fun with these guys. Thanks SO much for coming and representing the Bakers (mom's side)!
So sad Lucinda is moving to Ohio this summer. boo hoo hoo.
Love this woman!
Oh, that cake was seriously so good!
Colbi, Sean and Susan's son...
Two of MY best friends, Keira and Janelle
What a funny gift, a bouquet of flowers. From Lucinda, of course!
Here's our once-a-year-picture together.
The party women.
We had a brunch the next morning. Yes, Dad, more food.
Thanks again guys, we love you!
Saturday was mom's party, Sunday was Troy's birthday and Monday was Anna's birthday so we had LOTS of family time that weekend!
This is probably the moment dad realized he was getting sick. Sorry dad.
Johnny got to go to Target...
Because he finally lost his top tooth!
The boys.
Cute Johnny and Cason in Matching Celtics shirts
Oh, Livy
Fresh strawberries from Cali make the best milkshakes!
don't waste a single drop
Aunt Colbi is pretty amazing with the kids!
Johnny's favorite part of the trip was playing Wii with Anna! Mario. duh.
And Liv loved Rondo the doggy
One of my favorite things about Arizona in the spring are these beauties
If you've never smelled an orange blossom in the morning then you're one pathetic piece of..just kidding. It's amazing.
Johnny's second favorite part about Arizona is Ivy and Dalton next door. They become like family and we play all day every day. Mimi took them to the park one days so I could go shopping with Colbi. And the weather was as amazing as it looks!
Papa took us to the Aquarium one day too! So fun.
On Saturday, Mimi took Liv and I to Cinderella at the Hale theater while Johnny had some bonding time with uncle Sean.
My sweet birthday boy turned SIX.
These were the guests at the party. Just us. It was perfect.
She was miserable the whole trip. Double ear infections, said her head hurt and had a fever for 5 days.
Johnny requested more park for his birthday.
So cute
The grass is soft in Arizona. Mmmmmm.
These twirly chairs were so fun! You just sit down and hold on and they start spinning. Livy no likey.
I would spin like ten times and get sick and Colbi stayed on for about 3 minutes. She was dizzy for ten!
I love Ivy.
Whoa nelly. Not a good idea since I puke in tire swings.
Dalton
I love him.
I love her too, but not as much as Johnny on this trip. Just saying.
I think she got a little emotional when she saw how many people had driven many hours to be there. She is very loved, there is no doubt about that.
One of her besties and one of MY favorites, Lucinda. She's the funniest lady I know.
I couldn't sleep for days before thinking that no one would come since it was spring break. But...no worries!
The Toolson family table...Troy, Michelle, Scott, Gramps, Grams
Sharilyn, Lane, Jessie, Tom, Brad, Shannon and my cute Hub
"Bishop Toolson" with the Leons
Three of my favorite women. Melodie (I babysat all 4 of her kids from birth), Lucinda, and Stephanie. If you know me, you know Stephanie. I worked for her every summer in college and loved every minute of it. Love her.
Mom, Stacy, Jessi
Lots of pretty blonde women in Arizona!
And brunettes too!
Mom and dad's trainer, Terrance, his wife Honey and their gorgeous baby girl Jicey.
Colbi made the cutest slide show of some great pictures from mom's life
BFF's Cheri and Susan. Oh, and Susan was watching her THREE grandkids while doing everything for the party too. Geez.
Gorgeous Colbi and the amazing cake (Designer Cakes by April)
Happy Birthday to YOU!! IT was key lime, red velvet, and the best peanut butter chocolate I've ever had.
Cousins
Consoling nut case Livy during one of her fits. She was totally sick, but still. Go to sleep.
We had a lot of fun with these guys. Thanks SO much for coming and representing the Bakers (mom's side)!
So sad Lucinda is moving to Ohio this summer. boo hoo hoo.
Love this woman!
Oh, that cake was seriously so good!
Colbi, Sean and Susan's son...
Two of MY best friends, Keira and Janelle
What a funny gift, a bouquet of flowers. From Lucinda, of course!
Here's our once-a-year-picture together.
The party women.
We had a brunch the next morning. Yes, Dad, more food.
Thanks again guys, we love you!
Saturday was mom's party, Sunday was Troy's birthday and Monday was Anna's birthday so we had LOTS of family time that weekend!
This is probably the moment dad realized he was getting sick. Sorry dad.
Johnny got to go to Target...
Because he finally lost his top tooth!
The boys.
Cute Johnny and Cason in Matching Celtics shirts
Oh, Livy
Fresh strawberries from Cali make the best milkshakes!
don't waste a single drop
Aunt Colbi is pretty amazing with the kids!
Johnny's favorite part of the trip was playing Wii with Anna! Mario. duh.
And Liv loved Rondo the doggy
One of my favorite things about Arizona in the spring are these beauties
If you've never smelled an orange blossom in the morning then you're one pathetic piece of..just kidding. It's amazing.
Johnny's second favorite part about Arizona is Ivy and Dalton next door. They become like family and we play all day every day. Mimi took them to the park one days so I could go shopping with Colbi. And the weather was as amazing as it looks!
Papa took us to the Aquarium one day too! So fun.
On Saturday, Mimi took Liv and I to Cinderella at the Hale theater while Johnny had some bonding time with uncle Sean.
My sweet birthday boy turned SIX.
These were the guests at the party. Just us. It was perfect.
She was miserable the whole trip. Double ear infections, said her head hurt and had a fever for 5 days.
Johnny requested more park for his birthday.
So cute
The grass is soft in Arizona. Mmmmmm.These twirly chairs were so fun! You just sit down and hold on and they start spinning. Livy no likey.
I would spin like ten times and get sick and Colbi stayed on for about 3 minutes. She was dizzy for ten!
I love Ivy.
Whoa nelly. Not a good idea since I puke in tire swings.
Dalton
I love him.
I love her too, but not as much as Johnny on this trip. Just saying.More of the trip to come!!
