The Graduate

So, Ben had no idea about the party. All the stress was worth it! For a guy who usually figures out everything, he was blindsided. *(Fist- pumping here. )

I will consider pulling off this surprise party as one of my greatest accomplishments of the year...
I had no idea planning a surprise party would be so devious and tricky. Thanks to my many cohorts in crime that helped weave the tangled web of lies to pull it off =)

Here's the handsome graduate-

Chris (brother) and Lu (Mom) came down on Friday night, Ben walked the stage on Saturday morning, and then they whisked him off to play 9 holes of golf while Emily T. and I scrambled around to get to the grocery store, the party store, and back home to decorate in the span of 3 hours.

When Ben got home, we were all waiting for him in the living room behind 40 helium balloons and a silver sparkley banner - I wish you could have seen his face. Then went out on the deck to grill some hamburgers before we dove in to the most sinful cake I have ever eaten in my life. Ever. (see above) Emily D. convinced me we needed a cake from this lady in Mt. Juliet, and I was a skeptic. When I saw the cake, I was excited. When I ate the cake, I was floored.

Emily D and Marky Mark:

Here's Em and Meg (and Molly) hangin' out:

OK, so we did have one little moment where we ran out of propane while the food was cooking-thank goodness for our corner Mapco!

Ben and Corey-

Molly helping Ben celebrate:

The girls who can do it all in 3 hours or less:

We made the house into a semi-oversized classroom with posters and banners, pencils, apples, and cutouts everywhere. We put people-cutouts on the door and had everyone sign them with a little bit of advice for the new teacher:

Good times.

Love, fun, and surprises-

D