Birthday Surprise

So, I arrived in Princeton last night (actually wrote this yesterday on Jill's Facebook post--and my birthday is tomorrow, the 31st) to be here for Jill's graduation on Monday . . . and as we were walking across campus to head to a brunch, I see Daniel leaning against a tree. What?!? I was SO happy to see that he was able to work out his schedule to be here after all. Couldn't believe it. Then, Ben starts walking up the walkway towards me. What?!? How can that be? We hadn't even discussed him being able to come with his family, his work schedule, and studying for the bar and all. And then Jake walks up to us when I'm in the middle of screams and hugs and I was overwhelmed with joy. Are you kidding me? More screams. More hugs. These four really pulled off the biggest birthday surprise for me ever. Guess they've been scheming on this since January. Can you believe it? I couldn't believe it.

Condensed version:  And so well orchestrated.  Jill and I were walking across campus this morning and I see Daniel leaning against a tree.  Then Ben comes walking down the sidewalk.  After that round of screams and hugs, Jake walks up to us.  

Ben has a video that I'll try to get uploaded here.

Here are the schemers.

Another one.  I sent a text to Don of this next one saying, "Happy Birthday Surprise!" and his response was, "That is so exciting!  Did you know?"  To which I replied, "Not a clue."

This certainly topped any birthday surprise I have ever had or ever hope to have.  And it certainly made this big 6-0 a lot sweeter (I had been dreading this one for some reason).

Jill gave us a nice walking tour of Princeton campus.

Some of the gardens at the President's house.

My surprised face (and a lesson not to believe Jill--I thought we were going to get a carpet shampooer to clean her carpets, so I was saving my shower and getting ready for the day until after we finished that chore).  That sneak! 

Love Louise's comment:  "Oh My Gosh!!! Fabulous surprise, Sister!  I am delighted for you!!!"

Rosala wrote:  "Sounds like you're the luckiest mom alive! Having kids that love you certainly does that to a mom! Bless them all for their goodness to you and have the happiest birthday ever!"

And my friend Diane's:  "Heaven!  Best birthday ever for best mom ever!  L.o.v.e. that!"

True that--best birthday ever.  

Big thank you Jill, Jake, Ben, and Daniel.