Surprise, surprise!

Dan is one of those people who wants very little fuss for his birthday.  When I asked him a few weeks ago what he’d like to do, he thought about it for a little while and then suggested we go to a movie.  That’s it.  No dinner, no time with friends.  A movie.

Not good enough, if you ask me.  So I started concocting a plan.  It was small and easy enough at first.  I’d whisk him away to Montreal for the weekend.  Then I mentioned it to Sonja and Mark who thought they’d like to join us.  Michelle, Gary, Evan and Jason, too.  Then our friends Jon and Des came to Ottawa for a visit and I mentioned it to them – and much to my surprise, they thought the plan was fantatic and decided to come from Toronto to meet us in Montreal.

Jon then suggested I invite Chris (Crispy).  And when Chris agreed to fly in from Calgary, I was floored.

The plan came together.  It was almost too easy.  The only  hard part was keeping the secret from the birthday boy.  The key was to not talk about it in front of Jaia.  We all know how well she keeps a secret.  But somehow, I managed to not let anything slip for weeks!

This is how it went down…

Surprise 1: Wednesady night.  I told him we were going to Montreal for the weekend so he’d have tome to prepare.  Thinking it was a trip for just the three of us, Dan starting coming up with things we could do as a family while there.

Surprise 2: Thursday night.  I arrived home in time for dinner with Crispy in tow.  Dan’s face was priceless.

Surprise 3: Friday night.  Arrived at our hotel and minutes later, in saunters Sonja and Mark.  Unfortunately, I was out at the car and missed the reaction – but apparently it was a good one.

Surprise 4: Saturday afternoon.  While sitting in Mark and Sonja’s room, there’s a knock at the door.  In walk Michelle, Gary, Evan and Jason.

We spent the afternoon at a brew pub with the crew (except for me, Jaia and Evan) sampling everything from Maple Beer to Black IPA.  Apprently, they were out of this world.  Dinner, also at a brew pub.  After dinner, another brew pub.  See a pattern?

All in all, I think the birthday boy had a fantastic time.  My thanks go to all who showed up and made the weekend an absolute blast.

And of course, my camera came along to document the whole thing.  Brace yourself.  I’m posting all of my favourites.

Jaia asked specifically for a picture with Mark.

And for some reason, jumping on a hotel bed is WAY more fun than jumping on beds at home.  I can’t say I mind…

I believe this was the maple beer.

Sonja had an interesting lunch.  Check out item #1.

Staring contest.  I think Jaia won.