When I asked Ryan if he wanted a party for his 30th birthday, he declared that he “MOST CERTAINLY DIDN’T WANT ANY FUSS AND NO PARTY. ABSOLUTELY NO PARTY.”
But, since he was 30, after all, and I knew our parents would want to have dinner at the least, I suggested a very low-key barbecue at our house to celebrate with just our parents. Ryan thought this was a great idea.
Then, I just disregarded everything he said and invited a handful of his closest friends, too.
I listen really well. Clearly.
But, in my defense – I just couldn’t let his 30th birthday slide by without a little celebration. And I think he really just didn’t want me getting all worked up and stressed about a gathering (which just so happened to fall one day after another party I was hosting for 40 women – more on that tomorrow). He knows me quite well and knows that I would go overboard and end up exhausted, stressed and irritable. None of which a good birthday make.
So, I shot out emails and texts to a handful of Ryan’s friends to see if they were available. Almost everyone was. So, it was decided.
I am actually pretty proud of us all, because several of us are not good at keeping surprises (myself included). And while we didn’t set it up to have “the moment” where Ryan walked in and everyone cheers “Surprise,” which Ryan would have hated, it was so fun to see his facial expression as all his friends arrived.
I love it.
As soon as Ryan arrived home, he spotted the car of our friends Dave and Pam. (They weren’t there yet, but had dropped the car off earlier when they went to run some errands.) I played dumb and told him that I didn’t even think it was their car. He must have been watching for them, because when they came back, he told me he was going to go flag them down. I said, “Well, you can just talk to them over dinner. I invited them.” He beamed.
It was like that for each friend who arrived. Every time, Ryan was clearly surprised to see that yet another person was coming. It was adorable.
First Haarzy and Ian.
Then Jon, Ann and Molly.
And our parents, my brother and Ryan’s grandma were able to make it, too.
We had a really nice time and it was very Ryan. Low-key, not fussy and fun.
Just like Ryan, he asked for homemade brownies instead of cake. (I use the recipe from Domestic Adventure.) After everyone headed home, Ryan told me how surprised he was. He seemed genuinely happy to see everyone and celebrate another year.
seriously – i need to know if you are a robot. how in the world do you do it all??? you never cease to amaze me with your super-wife/mom-ness! nice job.
What a great wife! You knew he’d love it {even though he didn’t know he’d love it} hehe. Looks like you guys had a blast! 🙂
How nice! Henry is such a cutie. Look at him looking at that cake.
You’re such a sweet wife! I can’t believe you planned the Dress for Success event and his birthday in the same week. I wouldn’t definitely be exhausted and irritable. So glad Ryan was surprised!
these kinds of party are always the best kind! 🙂
Looks like Henry is ready for some brownies!
You are a good wife! And I am so honored that the brownies made it into the special day!
I love that idea! It’s like a backward surprise. 🙂 How fun!
I went all out and threw D a surprise 30th birthday extravaganza – all against his wishes, of course. He was ok with it in the end, except for the fact that I scheduled it right in the middle of the Daytona 500 which is sacrilege around these parts. Whooooops. Glad Ryan had fun!
Good, 30 is a big one and should be celebrated, even if it’s a low key event!
So sweet you two (three) are adorable.
Jesse hates birthday parties for himself, but I could probably get away with something like this… I may have to try!
So glad Ryan had a good time and you were able to surprise him! 🙂
Happy birthday to Ryan! Sounds like it was the perfect party!
Sometimes the wife really does know better! 😉 Happy belated birthday to Ryan…looks like you guys had a great celebration. 🙂
Kim, This is awesome!
My hubby’s 30th is less than 5 months away and I’ve got some fun ideas stewing for a party and an amazing gift. I can’t wait!!
Sounds like it was a fun surprise for Ryan. You are such a great hostess too! Obviously Brian couldn’t wait to get there since he “flew” through Coal Valley!! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
I never listen to my husband either- I did a surprise party for him on his 30th birthday too. His whole family drove 2.5hrs to surprise him, showing up in a mini-van, grandparents and everything. He was totally surprised and it was awesome 🙂 Nice work!!
You were right to have a little party – gotta do something on his 30th! 🙂 Also Henry’s facial expression in the first pic (with the guy in the Harvard hoodie) is so funny.
Aww, what a perfect birthday! I love that you made yourself keep it low key. Sounds like a perfect 30th birthday celebration to me!
It’s never good to listen to the husbands.
You’re such a good wife. Nate wanted to sit on the couch all day and not move. And that’s what he did. Why ruin a good thing? 😛
And your kid keeps getting cuter. Good work on that.
Love this! How fun!!!!
This is a great idea for my impossible to surprise husband. 🙂 Love your new blog look too!
Way to go with your gut, Kim. It looks like a fun and relaxed time!