Surprise for my Parents

I mentioned last Friday that my sister came to town the Wednesday before and surprised my parents on Thursday. ... That wasn't the only surprise in store for them. 

Melissa and her family spent all day Thursday and Friday with my parents. She kept Zeplin all day Thursday - he was pretty spoiled and loved!

We picked him up that night in Nampa. Sara and kids were there - we ate dinner and just had a grand time!

On Friday, we all gathered at my parents house again. This time, another surprise in store.... my brother Robert showed up in the house around 8pm that night. I kept her hidden in the hallway, pretending to tell her a secret, when he walked in her view and about gave her a heart attack.
We had cake and ice cream to celebrate Ashton's birthday. The cousins all had a blast! We were only missing Jessica's family and Rebecca's family. Even without them, we had about 20 people over!

Saturday held the next big surprise. We all met back up at my parents house in our grubby clothes and got to work. (well, most of us - the littles stayed inside until it warmed up and they could help out painting)

There were a total of 27 children/grandchildren that day but it wasn't until well into the late afternoon that we finished. Part of the home had rotting wood that required new wood/trim and we completed painting the entire home & garage!
 It looked so wonderful once we were done and my parents were thrilled!

Then my dad got a wild hair to cut down part of an old tree that he believe was going to blow over and destroy their home one day...... I still think that tree would outlast their home in a heavy windstorm but once my dad sets his mind to something, it gets done!

My brother, Robert, climbed this big old tree and started chopping down some limbs. My husband, dad, brother in laws - Nick and Michael watched from below. All the rest of us made ourselves comfy on the railroad ties near the driveway/road. 

The men were beyond thrilled to do such a manly project. It took what felt like hours before my dad was satisfied with the tree trimming. And by 8pm, we were all exhausted and ready for bed!

We all said our goodbyes Sunday morning at the entrance of the Black Bear Diner in Boise.

I know Utah isn't that far away - at least it's not Georgia where Rebecca lives, but I still wish they all lived closer. It was fun having them here. Matt really loves spending time with my brother and brother in laws. They were a hoot to listen to as they bantered back and forth on Saturday. And I just really enjoy having my family around!

Ultimately, my parents big surprises were successful!!