Granny's 80th Surprise Birthday Party!

This past Saturday my Mom, Dad, Iliana, Verena and I all went to my Granny's Surprise 80th birthday party in Memphis. We had a great time and she was especially happy to see the little girls.

On the way to the restaurant we passed by the crafts store where Granny's friend was supposed to be stalling her and so Verena hid herself behind a book just in case she saw us.

Then we went to the restaurant and waited for her to arrive. She was so surprised!

Surprising Granny! from Mary Pate on Vimeo.

Iliana and Verena both prepared a performance for Granny.
Iliana (age 7) played Happy Birthday on the recorder. And just in case you were wondering...she doesn't mess up. That is just the way she thinks it should be played. (That is my Dad's youngest sibling, John, introducing her)

Iliana's Performance from Mary Pate on Vimeo.

AND Verena (age 5) recited the Pirate Story by Robert Louis Stevenson!!! (the link to the poem is: http://rinabeana.com/poemoftheday/index.php/2004/10/16/pirate-story-by-robert-louis-stevenson/)

It was so amazing to hear her. I stood next to her because we thought she was going to be nervous, and told her to speak real clearly and loud enough for people to her. I love how she composes herself right before it by brushing the hair out her face! She was AMAZING!!!

Verena's Performance from Mary Pate on Vimeo.

We were SOOOO proud of her!

For our gifts to Granny we all wrote out notes or shared memories we had with her. Below is the present given by Elowyn ( via Christina). (You can zoom in by clicking on the pictures)

Happy Birthday Granny!!