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Birthday Surprise

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 With months of planning engineered by Jessica and coordinated by Dad and Melinda, the day of the amazing birthday surprise finally arrived. Melinda stayed at home to cook up a birthday dinner, which was already announced to and agreed upon by the birthday celebrity. In order to initiate the process, Dad picked up Megan from school and drove straight to the airport to pick up Jessica's family. We first surprised Grandma at her apartment. She kept asking why Jessica's family was there, but that was to be expected. Then we drove home. At the appointed time, Jessica's family concealed themselves in the community center across the street. Then Mom came home to the smell of a delicious dinner made by Melinda. But before we could start eating, Jessica Skyped Mom to wish her a happy birthday. A few minutes after hanging, the doorbell rang. Intentionally, Mom was left to open the door. When she opened the front door, her face lit up with both delight and surprise. She held Blake and still was in a state of unbelief that Jessica could be there right before her face. After lots of hugs, we sat down to a delicious dinner and a beautiful cake.  Receiving friends from afar, especially family from a long ways off, is the real fun part of life.  If family relationships can endure throughout the eternities, then I cannot wait.

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