I do love a good surprise and last night was one! Brad had started asking me about a week ago how I would like to celebrate my birthday and we had decided on dinner out but the debate was on would we take Charis or not. Finally Brad suggested that we would have a picnic with Charis this week and then just the two of us would go out for dinner. I thought that was a great idea! Last night was the night for the family picnic. I decided that I would make us a nice meal instead of just PB&J for a yummy dinner at the park. Brad was being so nice and telling me that sandwiches was just fine but I wanted to have something nicer for him. I am so slow…I know! We loaded up the car and we were off to the park. When we were pulling into the park the thought crossed my mind that this could be a surprise party but I did not see anyone’s car from our family so I was back to being excited about the family picnic with no surprise in store. I even checked out the pavilion where everyone has parties and I did not know those people. We walked down the path and I saw some balloons but they were still a bit off but I was convinced by this time that there was no surprise to come. We kept getting closer though and the people looked more and more familiar! It was our sweet dear and wonderful small group! They know how I love my birthday and surprises. They planned a whole shindig just for me! It was so sweet and totally thoughtful and so much fun! The Lord just really used it to bless me greatly! Well, there was no need for my “nice meal” as they had brought together tons of even more yummy food and cupcakes with candles! The candles are so key! When you get older the candles seem to disappear from the cake but trust me they are needed! They are festive plus you get to make a wish; the child in me will never grow old! There were even super wonderful presents to open as if the surprise and dinner were not enough. It was a beautiful evening as the rain held off and it was so much fun to celebrate with friends! I felt so loved. Thanks to everyone! It was a total surprise and I loved it all! Thanks also to Brad who got me there without even a hint of a surprise going on! It was definitely a fun night!