We’ve got several milestone birthdays this year!
Daddy turned 80 the week after Josh turned 30, so Mom and I organized a surprise virtual celebration.
We set up the link in Google Meets and tested a few times with Aunt Darlene before we had the invitations finalized.
We pulled out the old photos and picked a few and went to Etsy to create the invitation.
We then found a cool poster on Etsy from the same seller.
I then went to Staples.com and had the poster mounted on posterboard. (Unfortunately, there was not option to pick it up at the store.) Delivery was scheduled, but did not arrive in time for the celebration. I might not use them again, or would order farther in advance.
My oldest brother and I went in on a flower and balloon bouquet, so dad would have some decorations in the background of his virtual celebration. I ordered those online through the local florist, and scheduled delivery for his special day. I also put a bag of balloons in my suitcase, as I was likely going to be away for his actual birthday.
Mom and I picked up an apple pie at Sam’s Club and I ordered huge golden 80 candles from Amazon.
For his gift, I ordered a Storyworth subscription. For one year, he will receive weekly prompts to write about his life and memories, and at the end of the year, he will receive a hard bound book with all of his stories printed out.
For the actual event, I had just arrived in Indonesia. I pulled the balloons from my suitcase and inflated them before I called (on Google Meets!) to wish my dad a Happy Birthday. We were chatting away when the other guests started to pop onto the screen! He was so surprised. Everyone chatted and mom pulled out the apple pie and lit the candles. It really was a huge success, and my dad was so happy to be able to celebrate his special day, even with everyone so far away.