Happy 50th Denise!

Saturday night was a surprise party for Jacob's aunt Denise.  (My ex-husband's sister.)  Jacob's grandfather and my two other ex sisters-in-laws called me three weeks ago asking if I would make the cake for the party.  Of course!

Now, my ex's family is great. Loud, LOUD Italians but really great people.  Jake's grandpa Alex deliberately "forgot" to call Denise on the actual day of her 50th birthday.  She was LIVID!  The following day, she called Alex and tore him a new one over the phone.  "You forgot my birthday!!  Are you suffering from DEMENTIA?!?!?"  Alex apologized and told her that to make it up to her, she should come over to dinner Saturday night.  Her answer? "NO!!!!"  She was mad!  It took a LOT of convincing from Denise's husband to get her to go to dinner Saturday night (hubby was in on it, of course.)

Meanwhile, the two sisters-in-law Maureen and Sharon were hard at work making decorations and creating picture books and place settings, etc. and I'm making a cake.

My entire family (David is always invited to their functions. I told you. They are cool) and I loaded the cake in the car and made our way south about an hour to the party location.

Oh, it was decorated so wonderfully.  Maureen, Sharon & Alex did a fantastic job on the decorating and arranging.   Black,white and cream decorated the back porch and pool area.  Buffet tables were set up by a catering company with wonderful appetizers and main course items.

These are hat boxes painted and decorated by Maureen.  Isn't it great?
Every table had them, each with two pictures of the birthday gal
at various ages.

Maureen made the cupcakes, I made the cake.  Duh!

There was a catered buffet.  YUMMY FOOD.

My wonderful kids.

Alex and his grandson.

Uncle Cary and Jacob

Jacob and Aunt Sharon

Great Aunt Theresa (Alex's sister), Aunt Maureen and Aunt Sharon

Jacob's brother (yes, he has a brother on his dad's side)
Gregory and Jacob.

Alex thought ahead and had Gregory, Jacob's big brother, valet-parking all the cars on the other side of the wooded lot next to his house.  This way, Denise would not see the tons of cars there.  

Denise's daughter texted her grandpa Alex when they were on their way and when the were on his street.  Silence fell (well, really....about as much silence as you can have with a group of loud Italians and their friends), Alex opened the door and we all yelled "SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!"

She was definitely surprised.

Dinner was served.  

Isabel "helps" open gifts. 

 The rest of the evening was spent eating, drinking and having a great time.

Happy 50th Birthday Denise!!

P.S.

HAIR CUT!  WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!