Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mom!

She turned 60 on Saturday! Party planning has been in full swing around our house and my sister's house.

We had pictures up around the house from each of the decades between 1951 and 2001. Since we are so early in 2011 we left that one out. We also had "fact" sheets by the pictures that included little tidbits about things that came out those years, advertisements, prices of items, etc. An example: the sharpie pen was first introduced in 1961. I think my sister had the most fun finding out all of the information in her search. If you are wondering, it's the light shining above her lip that is messing up the picture.
Naturally we had "60s" decorations all over the house. We couldn't let her forget how old she is. When I went to get pictures for her invitations she told me, "Don't be throwing me a party. There is nothing great about turning 60." I thought that was so funny because I had already decided to put on her invitation, "Turning 60 is Great. Please Come Help Us Celebrate!"

We bought a scrapbook for keepsakes from the party, and we decided to put a picture of everyone who came and let them write her a note. Her older sister who lives in Virginia sent a note for her to read aloud. It was about "The Way We Were" and "The Way We Are." Mom had fun reading it and telling the stories from past and present that went along with the note. We sure missed you Aunt Diane.

Mom had lots of help blowing out candles. I couldn't get ALL of the kiddos in the picture from where I was standing.

Then the most fun part of opening presents.

And one of the party favors for everyone to take home!

We hope you had a great birthday, Mom. We had lots of fun with the planning!