June 2, 2012 marked a momentous day in our family. Dan turned 50! Since November of last year he's been telling everyone he meets that his 50th birthday was in June and that gifts of $50 each would be adequate. I'd usually just roll my eyes and apologize to those he was speaking to.
When I asked him what he wanted, the #1 thing he said (besides a romantic get away with me at the Econo Lodge in Inkom-including some tasty Space Burgers for dinner) was a birthday party with his children, nieces, nephews, siblings, and their spouses. In other words, all of his family members! So I went to work to plan a party to mark the occasion.
We decided to celebrate over Memorial Day weekend. Amanda & Sid were given the task to plan Sunday's family fireside (a church evening meeting which used to be held by a fire) and talent show. I planned the remainder of the weekend's events; food, games, party favors, a surprise gift for him from everyone, and family pictures.
A couple days before Dan said he didn't expect it to be such a big shin-dig. Well, how can we expect to have family come to Boise from Pocatello & Utah and not have anything planned? Sheesh, now he tells me... ;)
With home responsibilities and such, everyone arrived sometime on Sunday. The first official gathering was at our chapel for a fireside, bonfire, and s'mores. Mark & Amy rolled into town before some of the other family arrived from our informal dinner at Andy & Angela's. The fire was started and an impromptu game of frisbee football started. S'mores were consumed and as the sun set, we gathered for a family testimony meeting.
Monday we regathered to another church building near by to set up a stage and prepare for the remainder of the day's events; family pictures, marshmallow dodge ball, lunch, a talent show, and (of course) cake.
I used a fabulous website and made Wordles for each family member to take home as a party favor. The words entered were the same on each one and described our family. They were all unique so each person was able to take the one home they liked the best.
It was a good thing that we chose the weekend we did to celebrate Dan's birthday. We'd thought about doing it on his birthday weekend but opted to do it the weekend before. The day after our celebration (May 29, 2012) I found out that my cute Grandpa Hafen passed away. Dan's actual birthday was spent at my Grandpa's funeral...
95-years old at his passing. He lived a live filled with love, family, music, friends, service, and faith. I love you Grandpa. I'll miss you but know that you are in a better place and reunited with Grandma. Until we meet again...
