Happy Birthday Kathy

By Uncle Hans

So Neil called me about a month ago and told me about a problem he had. He had pulled off a successful surprise birthday for Kathy for her 40th (the convertible, the barn on the fairgrounds, and the snorkel mask full of cotton balls..........Oh! You had to be there!).

Then he TOTALLY pulled off the surprise 50th party. (Two Guys and a Banner. Susie the Duck Parade. The barn......Oh! You had to be there!).

But, now, his chances for surprising her on the 60th were almost zero. So he came up with a brilliant plan. He was inviting us to Kathy's surprise 60th birthday party, but a week or two before her 58th birthday!! She would never see that coming.

Here she’s stepping out of the truck and walking to the (of course) barn.................

......He planned this thing with more precision and secrecy than the Normandy invasion of France. And the plan came together beautifully, although the pig did not enjoy his assigned role............

The only glitch was me getting lost picking up the cake. WE straightened out the mess over cell phones and I made it to the party with minutes to spare. A friend, John, did the cake, and it was beautiful..........

.......the pig did not get lost and arrived on schedule with the catering people. It was delicious.......

......The barn belongs to a friend who keeps it as a party place. It was just the right size, and the huge bar proved to be a big hit........

.....Lots of family and friends quietly showed up the night before and the morning of the party to set up. This is the food line, which was outside. Even the weather cooperated, with the rain holding off until after the food was served............

...................Adam and his band "Chasin' Steel" were there to entertain all afternoon. This is his oldest daughter, Savannah.................

.............Sara managed the bar and all the kids were bartenders (only in Wisconsin!)............

......Once the food and drink started, I forgot the camera business and missed a lot of important pictures (like the huge sign outside "Happy Birthday Kathy” (Chasin Steel).

Here are a few random shots.

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A good time was had by all, most people simply retreated to the Casino Hotel to sit by the pool and eat 10 pizzas.

The most common "good-bye" words were: "See you at the wedding!"..........

By Uncle Hans