Surprise!

For the first time ever (in our family,) we had a surprise party!  It was for Kelsey's 10th birthday and it was so fun!  She didn't have anything she especially wanted to do to celebrate, so, after many discussions, I just let the idea of a party go. 
Then Caitlyn and I decided on a surprise party. We had never even talked about having one, so it NEVER crossed Kelsey's mind that that's what we had planned.  Keegan gave out invitations when Kelsey's back was turned.

On the big day, Caitlyn, Keegan, and I rushed home after soccer while Bill and Kelsey went "to run some errands." Some friends and family arrived and we were ready!

Here they are... waiting for her to walk in the door

 Aaaaaand here she comes....... opening the door, with her arms full of soccer stuff, totally unaware anything is afoot

she hears voices, and sees the balloon tied to the bottom of the banister...

then she looks up and sees everyone!

 It starts to sink in!  This was such a fun moment.  She was speechless.  She just kept laughing, going, "huh, huh, huh, huh, huh." I was SO happy we did it!

Some of the guests -

had to include this picture of my nephew, mil, and sil looking thrilled, haha.

Bill and his sister, Lisa
Lisa is working on the flip flop craft for Brooklin

 The rest of the girls doing the craft.  These flip flops are so cute and easy!  You just tie strips of cloth to the straps of the flip flop and they turn out super cute!

 Brooklin modeling her finished product.  I forgot to get a teeny pair for her.  Oops.

Cake time

 And, of course - presents!  Kelsey received a wealth of presents! People were very generous with her (especially a certain friend of mine - thanks, Shannon!)

She had such a good time.  Thank you to everyone who came!  You made her birthday super special for her :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!