CHERYL'S SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Dear Family,

I guess we are now into a patten of surprise birthday parties which are also secret underground mini-reunions. They did it for my 70th (in Munich). We surprised Mom on her 70th when most of the family showed up in Salt Lake. We just surprised Roy on his 50th and now this.

Here is a picture that Cathy took the minute Cheryl and Paul walked into the Restruant where family and friends were gathered to surprise Cheryl.

Paul did a great job of keeping this one quiet. Cheryl was mooping around grumbling that probably no one would remember the birthday or even plan something.

I found out about it the day before when Gemina called and said she was coming. On Friday, I answered the door and could not see anyone through the peep hole, opened th door and there was Mary who squeaked in her "little Mary" voice, "Hi Dad".

A hard balance between secrecy and advance notice to plan is difficult to achieve. I learned that Rick was flying up that aternoon, Suzanne was maybe driving up from Phoenix picking up Becca in St. George on the way. We were not sure if Jeff cold come down.

Gemina decorated the flowers and hung the garlands, Mary helped as well and Paul organized a large private room in a great Italian Restaurant down town.

We missed the grand surprise because we were at the Huntsman Education Award night but left early. Here is Cheryl and Dad.

The best picture that Cathy took was this shot of Mary greeting Cheryl at the moment of surprise. There were tears of joy at this reunion.

Our daughters are so connected and we all simply love to be together. They are constantly in touch, trade clothes and are almost connected at the hip.

Here is a picture of Mom with Cheryl Becca and Suz who drove all the way from Phoenix. As we visited, Jeff showed up from Spokane.

Mike and Rayanne, Emily an John came up from Mapleton and all participated.

Here are the brothers who came; Rick, Jeff, Doug and Mike. All had nice memories of growing up with Cheryl.

Paul organized this great program where everyone talked about a certain phase of Cheryl's life as a young girl, teenager, college student etc. Paul talked about their courtship in Jerusalem during a study abroad program. Actually there it was not a formal courtship but just "hanging out".

There were many there from Paul's family as well, many of Cheryl's friends and there was such a good spirit there. It was a grand happy occasion. Oh Paul put on a five course dinner for everyone and that was scrumptious.

It was one of those moments when we experienced joy and rejoicing in our posterity in fulfillment of scripture. Happy birthday Cheryl and we will not forget that one!

Love, Mom and Dad