A Pirate Looks at 40...

Steve turned 40 in July. My husband is 40. Still hot and sexy, smarter than ever, and 40! If there's one thing you need to know about Steve, it is that he lives his life with gusto and joy, searching for fun and adventure. He is the first one to step on the dance floor and the last one to leave. He's funny and outgoing and a little wild. He has talked me into skydiving and water skiing and scuba diving and riding horses in the ocean. He has convinced me to climb to the top of the highest pyramid in Chitzen Itza, swim with dolphins in Mexico, and swing dance in the middle of a gay bar in Key West (they loved us, by the way). So what better way to celebrate the "life of the party" than with a surprise, Jimmy-Buffet themed 40th birthday bash? We had a blast.

To liven the party up "Steve-style," we played a few games of laser tag. I highly recommend laser tag for any party, age 6 to 70. Boys will be boys and they all love their laser guns.

Steve got tons of great gifts, a few gag gifts, lots of gift cards, and an offer for free babysitting (Judy - we'll be calling you soon)! But the proof that boys never really do grow up is below....

This is Steve's favorite gift. He flies it through the house, trying to get it as close as he can to my head. He shoots the little plastic missiles at the girls, and spends a lot of time trying to perfect a smooth landing in the middle of the kitchen island (usually while I'm trying to cook). Forty or not, this man may never grow up. And that's fine by me. He's pretty amazing just the way he is. Happy 40th Birthday, babe. I can't wait to see what crazy adventures you take us on in your next 40 years!

And thank you, so very much, to everyone who helped with the party -

Mom and Dad for hiding decorations and picking up food, and setting up tents and tables, and mowing the grass at the last minute.

Troy for meeting "Guido" at midnight and picking up the laser tag guns and running the laser tag games.

Wayne for killing himself with the rock climbing diversion and keeping a secret.

Lori for making the photo collages and helping to decorate and keeping me calm and watching the girls!

Sara for bringing tons of food and the biggest cooler filled with ice that I've ever seen.

Sheila for making the awesome signs

Judy, Julie, Kristi, Erin, Missy, Jim, and Jimbo for making food (and not thinking that I was tacky for asking).

Heidi and Bill and Karin for watching over the cakes and keeping them safe until the party

I could never have thrown a surpise party without all of your help. What a blessing it is to have wonderful friends and family!