Dad turns 80!! Surprise!!

Today is dad’s 80th birthday and it is going to be a big surprise as the companion caregiver has offered to drive him to Oyen where we will all meet and surprise him along with some friends. There was a slight glitch when the caregiver had.  Him loaded up and headed out and the Good Sam's called Mom to say the fellow; Mike did not have a QR code and needed to return him. The issue was sorted when the gal who has picked him up in since the ruling was implemented came and signed him out then transferred him back to Mike around the block.

S, Harley and I were loaded and on the road at 10:30 once all was a go. We got fuel then a tea/breakfast which ended up taking FOREVER and delayed us to leaving till 11. Kaylin, Shaina and Nathan were ahead of us by about half an hour. Britt will drive alone later after feeding the horses with the food I soaked before leaving. Rain started spitting around blood Indian corner where S stopped for a pee and picked up as we made our way in the plus 6 which was dropping to 3. Dad had arrived after 12 with a few folks rolling in followed but the girls arriving. We made it at 1:30 to find Dad surrounded by friends and family.

He was so happy to have this event. he basement held the friends circled around talking rodeo, B and Cooper arrived about an hour after us with the girls, Nathan and Travis playing cards. Paetz’s arrived making all immediate family present. Lots of visiting and food were enjoyed. After the friends all were off I set up the camera for family photos.

Aislyn and her BFF Harley

The Walker family

ALL the grandkids

the entire Walker clan

The Kuhn family

the Paetz family

D Walker family

Travis Walker sans Tim 

Supper and a birthday cupcake singsong celebrated the 80th year. Not long after Mike and his wife took Dad back to the hat before 6:30. The girls and Nathan loaded up and headed off soon after. Paetz’s were then off too dropping the 3 little in town then heading home for hockey tomorrow. The rain had now turned to snow making for a lengthy drive home for most. 

a couple short videos of the party

Me and my Dad <3

Mike sent this text once he dropped Dad off at the cottage.

"Fred said it was the best day of his life!!! ... He was quiet on the way home so I asked him what he was thinking. He said just how lucky he is for everyone in his life! He really enjoyed his day!!!"

Dale, Stacie, TJ, Sheldon and I played cards for the rest of the evening. Vance was off to hang with friends and Mom tidied up everything then joined us at the table to visit while we played cards. B made it home before 10:30 where Dave jumped in and helped her put blankets on 4 of the horses at the ranch as the temperatures are to drop. The Calgary crew arrived home at 11. Everyone headed home around 11:30 then we were off to bed.