The Big Surprise

Many of you know that we have been planning a big surprise party for my mom's 60th birthday for the past few months. Terri, my mother-in-law, and I teamed up to get three of my mom's best friends to Red River, NM for a surprise girls weekend. Well, we found out yesterday that we had done a terrific job keeping it a secret because my mom was so surprised. We headed out to Taos yesterday morning for a day of shopping and lunch. What mom didn't realize is that her friends had flown into Albuquerque and were on their way to meet us in Taos for lunch. So Terri separated from mom and I and went to Doc Martins, this great restaurant in Taos, to meet the girls. Mom and I shopped a bit and walked around. Then we headed to Doc Martins to meet Terri and ER for lunch. We walked onto the back porch, mom was looking around for Terri and Pop and seemingly looking right through her good friends. Then the realization hit...Janet, Sharon, and Janet were sitting right in front of her. It was like she knew who they were, but couldn't fathom why they were sitting in this restaurant in New Mexico. So once she realized that these were indeed her very good friends...she broke down crying!! I mean crying...crying like she was sad...I was so confused...but she was so so excited!! It was truly amazing. She said she have never been so surprised in her life!! So after a beautiful lunch and good conversation, we shopped a little in Taos, then headed back to Red River to rest and enjoy one another's company. It was a great day all around!! 

Mom and I testing out her new camera prior to the Big Surprise!!

Hanging out and shopping in Taos before the big surprise!!

Mom and Sharon hugging!! She was so shocked!

Mom freaking out at the fact that her fantastic friends are here for her birthday!! She balled, she was so excited!!

The ladies (and ER)! Isn't he a lucky man. It was truly a beautiful day in Taos as we enjoyed our lunch on the patio. 

Spectacular Sixty!! Look at that beautiful jewelry...a J King Design, given to Mom by Jack and Joanie Dean. She loved it and it looks great on her. Thanks Jack and Joanie and Jamie!!

The deliciously, decadent desserts...I love birthdays cause you get to eat all sorts of sweet treats. 

The crew!! Aren't we cute. 

Back row: Terri, Mom, Me, Sharon, ER

Front Row: Janet S., Janet M. 

Terri and I, shopping in Taos. 

The beautiful landscape of New Mexico! The flowers are in bloom and so lovely. 

Today we are headed out to the arts and craft festival going on in downtown Red River and then for a little jeep ride, so stay tuned for more stories from the Big Surprise!