SURPRISE!

Since Eric's birthday and graduation were just days apart, I decided to throw him a surprise birthday/graduation party. I invited our family by sending out "subpoena's" saying they were required to come to his party and what they needed to bring. I thought it was funny.

Eric wasn't as surprised as I had hoped. I can't keep secrets very well, and he just knew something was going on because of how I was acting. I'm an open book, I guess. I sent him to Walmart for some mustard for our dinner and when he came back everyone was there. He was excited and hugged everyone when he came up the stairs.

We had "pigs in a blanket" (police officer pun), hot dogs, chips, etc. And we played some games.

Pin the badge on the rookie. Maya taking a turn in her ballerina outfit from Shelley. She can't get enough of it!

And we had a race to see who could eat a donut the fastest. My dad won! Which was no surprise to me. Donuts every Saturday morning growing up...Whoohoo! (I still have the craving of the donuts after Saturday chores, Dad.)
I asked those coming to write Eric a letter or card to tell him why they thought he'd make a good police officer. The letters were so funny. Lots of police jokes and advice.
My favorite joke: Police officer, "Oh, you thought we didn't give tickets to pretty women,
WE DON'T!"

Eric getting emotional reading the letters. (above) Thank you for writing those, everyone! He told me he felt very encouraged after reading those.The candles and making wishes. (with a little help from Maya)

Hayden in his police gear! He has been playing with this stuff ever since!

It was a fun night! I'm glad that we got to celebrate those two big occasions for Eric. Thanks family for all of your support. We have needed it, and will need more, I'm sure!