Joey's 42nd Birthday

Wednesday was Joey's 42nd birthday. With his birthday so close to Christmas, sometimes it's really hard to decide what the get him. The last couple of years we've gone to Ruidoso with friends so he can play poker at the casino, but with basketball and dance, it was going to be a while before we could get away for a weekend. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said he got all he could think of for Christmas. So I was on my own.

I went for the nomination for wife of the year. I planned a surprise poker night for he and his buddies. I knew there was no way I could keep it a secret until Saturday night, which is when we were throwing the party, so the kids and I wrapped his poker night in a box.

The morning of his birthday, the kids told him he could only have his cards. The present was to come at dinner at Pelican's, his choice for his birthday. Kylee didn't get out of bed early enough to give him her card, so he even had to wait for that. We met Papa and Nana at Pelican's. While we waited for our food, the kids started in with the gift. Kylee gave him his card, while Blaine gave him Dad Dad and Mom Mom's card.

Then the gift.

In the box was also an invitation to the poker night HE was hosting. Even though Carlo somebody accidentally spilled the beans, and Joey knew about the party, he didn't have a clue how we were going to tell him about it or what was in the box, and it certainly didn't dim his excitement about his poker night.
He was grinning (note the picture) from ear to ear and wanted to know who I had invited.

Saturday was the big day. Between a basketball game and a dance camp (both to be blogged about soon), I spent most of the day getting ready for the poker night. I made all of Joey's favorites: bologna and cheese sandwiches, pigs in the blanket, mini cheesecakes, and some other stuff that others might enjoy as well. Kylee and Lindsey used Kylee Christmas presents to bake and decorate cookies.

Then we set everything up and the kids and I left.

Then plan was for us to go to Dad Dad and Mom Mom's and spend the night, but we had to take Lindsey home first. When we got to Lindsey's house, they played a little while. Lindsey wanted Kylee to spend the night, and Nick wanted Blaine to spend the night. After lots of talk with their parents, making sure it was okay, I left. Alone. I decided since I was alone, I would just go home, close my bedroom door, and stay there. That's how I got this picture.

I understand a great time was had by all. They played until the middle of the night, just as I expected.
BTW...I'm not mad at Carlo. It was a total accident, and he sent me a sweet text during the party saying I'd done a great job for Joey. All is forgiven. Well, with me anyway. He took home the poker pot, so it may be a different story with the guys.
Happy birthday, Joey!