Thankfully, I’m younger than a good portion of my friends. I have my parents to thank for that. Without thinking too hard about my conception (ewwww!), my parents gave me an October birthday and pushed me off to kindergarten as a boisterous 4-year-old. For this reason, I grew up being the youngest in all my classes. It never hindered my progress as a student or an athlete from grade school through high school, and with each year that passes, I’m viewing it more and more as a wonderful plus. Most of my friends will always be older than me!
So, when my friend Alison’s 30th came up (mwah ha ha ha….I’ve got 3 years til I hit the big one), I jumped on board to help with the execution of the final surprise in a succession of four surprises her husband planned for her this past Saturday. He asked that I put a couple of “snacky” (his words) things together, plus a cake, for a party at their condo for about 40 people. In my usual obsessive style, I bumped things up a notch and decided to do a few appetizers and a full dessert bar. I even took off Friday from work to prepare for the party, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Left: Alison and The Most Adoring Husband in the World (after, ahem, my husband of course….).
Surprise #1:
Trick Alison into going to the W Hotel. Three out-of-town friends surprised her there at the spa.
Surprise #2:
Schedule false dinner reservations. Surprise Alison with the in-laws showing up at dinner.
Surprise #3:
Mid-dinner, younger brother Steve shows up. He flew in from Germany for the event!
Surprise #4:
Come home from dinner to find a house full of friends ready to party (this is where the food came in).
Here a few shots of the dessert bar. I didn’t snap photos of the appetizers, but they included Marcona Almond-Stuffed Dates with Balsamic Vinegar Drizzle, Layered Italian Pesto Dip and Baguette Crisps and BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mushrooms.
Happy Birthday, Alison, and GREAT JOB, Mike!
it looks awesome!
hey kenna! I need to read up on your adventures! this looks like an awesome party
and hopefully 30 won't be so bad since i turn 30 next month 
did you finish school? doing anything food-wise?
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