West Coast Frisbees: Surprise Visit

When I asked Katie and Tricia if they would be willing to throw my sister a Baby Sprinkle in Colorado in honor of baby #2 (due 12/30), I just assumed my Mom and I wouldn't be able to be there. That's just the sad reality of having my sister living in another state. But then they sent me an email asking if we'd be able to make it, and I thought "Why wouldn't we be there?" So my Mom and I decided it would be such an awesome surprise if we could keep it a secret and fly out to surprise Lori for the weekend and also attend her Sprinkle. Katie and Craig were the only people in Colorado who knew about our plan. It was pretty hard to keep this secret since we bought flights back in September and have all been together a couple of times since (including a week together in Hawaii just a couple of weeks ago). My Mom and I flew out separately from Orange County and San Diego, met at the Denver airport, hired a car service and headed to Lori's house! Craig had come up with a perfect reason for Lori to be home at that time, so we rang the doorbell and waited on the porch. When she opened the door (expecting a contractor for the house or a package being delivered), we jumped out and yelled, "Surprise!" It took her a second to register what has happening, then she said, "Oh my God", followed by a huge scream! It was perfect. I got the whole thing on video too! She was so shocked and excited to see us. We got to spend the weekend with Lori, Craig and Chase (who was also very surprised to see us!), going out to dinner, running some errands, taking Chase to visit Santa Claus, and just enjoying this time of the year, in addition to going to Lori's Sprinkle. Katie and Tricia did a wonderful job setting everything up and being hostesses. We hung out for almost 5 hours, just chatting and catching up. What a great surprise!

Ben helping me pack!

Chase with the blinking nose my Mom brought him

Chase showing off their Christmas tree

Lori pushing Chase around in their new stroller

Lori's Baby Sprinkle

So excited for baby Hoelting #2!

Good friends catching up

Katie taking out her yummy egg casseroles

Lori, Dana and Dani

Mini cupcakes! And more time with friends.

The 2 Grandma's - Craig's Mom Carol and Mom

The whole group!

Opening gifts - will it be a boy or girl?

Lori with Craig's side - Jill, Carol and Melissa

The best hostesses - Tricia and Katie (who just got engaged the night before!)

Old Chicago - Chase was holding a knife waiting to cut fries! Hahaha.

Chase showing me his new "Big Brother" book

Chase putting our wrapped gifts for them under the tree

Having a blast with Grandma

This was the first time I had ever been away from Ben for more than 1 night - I left Friday morning before Ben woke up and got back late Sunday night after he was in bed - so I didn't see him for 3 full days! But I knew he was in great hands with Jim - they had their own little "guys weekend"! It also helped that we skyped every day while I was away. Here are some pictures from Jim and Ben's weekend...

At the park