Check out this lovely lady…

That’s my Mom and the kids’ beloved Nena.  She’s the heart and anchor of the Plaxico family and the best woman that I know.

In honor of Mom turning 70 this April, my sister and Dad masterminded a big, boisterous, super secret, super FUN surprise birthday party.

And boy was Mom surprised!

This was taken right after we burst through the door (and grabbed a few cookies, clearly).  I’m sorry, Mom, don’t kill me.  I had to post this photo…for posterity’s sake!

Once the Plaxico siblings and our families were all able to gather in Annapolis (and Mom had a chance to do her hair),

we FILLED the house with family and friends who love Mom most!

And then partied like ROCKSTARS!

You know, the kind of rockstars who try to drink responsibly, converse in normal tones, and wear pants.

Well, for that middle one, at least the older subset of us do…most of the time.  Except when we’re yelling at our brood of highly spirited children to stop jumping off the furniture and screeching like rabid howler monkeys.

Yep, definitely rockstars.

Where was I?  Oh right, the party.

Here’s the Littles’ Uncle Joe blessing the meal.

And then it was chow time!

Oh, how I love any meal that I don’t personally have to cook.

Here’s Dad making a toast for the Lady of the Hour.  You know any speech including the presentation of dirty, holey running socks is gonna be good.

Finally, to the kids’ relief, it was present time!
(I’m pretty sure that staring at wrapped gifts for hours without being allowed to open them classifies as torture for Little People.)

The kids all did really well.  One guest even commented that they were all “so well behaved.”

HA!!!!

Little did she know that right before there was an eruption of small-people-energy-and-hysteria, the Mamas ushered our crew outside to get their wiggles out.

Aren’t we clever?!?

I don’t know much, but in my years as a parent I have learned that
(sand + fresh air + kids) + (beach chairs + wine + mommies) = GOOD TIMES FOR ALL

Water fight!!!

Yeah, I think we wore them out pretty good.

Well, there you have it – Nena’s 70th birthday.  It was a blast, and best of all it gave us a chance to love on the lady who cares for us all so well, with such enthusiasm and devotion.

Cheers to you, Nena!  We love you, and we wish you a very HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY!