Queen B flew in at 2:00 on Friday afternoon and it was my job to keep her entertained and away from the house until 6:30 that evening so that Katie and the crew could pull off a surprise birthday party; this was not as easy as it sounds.
I took the whole day off from Not So New Job so that I could get the house tidied up and pick up the balloons that would be the only decorations at the party. Then I ran home to pull the red velvet cake out of the freezer to thaw while I was engaged in Mission: Keep the Kid Away. Queen B is pretty intuitive and I felt like I was walking a thin line all afternoon, but, I managed.
Queen B's flight landed right on time and, since she hadn't checked any luggage, we pulled out of the airport by 2:15. Our first stop was Starbucks, for vanilla bean frappuccinos and tomato and mozzarella paninis because the Queen was starving (and I will never pass up a tomato and mozzarella panini).
We then headed to Mom's to kill some time with a visit. Mom was in on the surprise, of course, and she suggested that we go out and do a little shopping, which we did.
Then, I dropped Mom off back at her house so that Oscar and Emily could pick her up for the party, while I took Queen B for pedicures that I had scheduled earlier in the week.
Luckily, the salon was running behind, so we were able to kill the exact right amount of time before heading home, where we managed to completely surprise Queen B. It was a mission accomplished!
After cake and pizza, the kids carried on with the party, traveling to Neighboring City to dance at a bar that Queen B and Katie used to frequent during college. Hugh and I crashed, because we are no spring chickens anymore.
The celebrations had just begun, however! The next day, we traveled to a town a few hours north, to attend another birthday celebration; this time for Queen B's Goddaughter, who was turning 2. The party was at the local bowling alley, followed by cake and ice cream at the guest of honor's grandparent's house. We have been acquainted with this family for several years now and consider them friends, so it was nice for all of us to get to see each other again. I love how that happens!
Sunday afternoon, Hugh, the Man-Cub, Shanti, Mom, and I went to the theater to see the new Ant Man movie (Queen B isn't a fan) before coming back to the house for cheese fondue. I love, love, love having all of my people home and around the same table, so it was a great night for me.
Today, I am off work again; I wanted to spend as much time as possible with Queen B while she is home. I do have a presentation to give at the Petticoat Junction town council meeting later tonight, but, otherwise, I plan on enjoying her and just being in the moment.
I'm so glad I have the opportunity.