Amanda's Surprise 30th Weekend

Yep, my younger sister turned 30 this year!  Kinda makes me feel a little old... isn't that supposed to be HER on her birthday?  Anyway, we had a great weekend celebrating up north near Brainerd over New Years.  My brother-in-law, Steve, had been planning her surprise party for nearly a year and he pulled it off without a hitch!  Way to go Steve!  He treated our whole family to a weekend getaway at a hotel/waterpark for 3 nights.  We were all able to keep the secret from her and I think she was quite surprised when she saw us all waiting for her in the restaurant.  :)

Steve and Amanda (and Kenzie)

We spent the weekend swimming, eating, playing games, visiting, and relaxing at the hotel and every single one of us enjoyed ourselves.  Ellie was most excited about the waterpark, though.  At first, it was just the idea of being there (a chilly dunk the first night left her a little hesitant), but by the end of the weekend, she had had a GREAT time and was relishing in her time in the water.  Unfortunately, Victoria didn't share her sisters love of the water as she was not feeling 100%, but she was so well-behaved anyway!

Steve, Mom, and Dad on New Years Eve

Amanda, Eliana, and John on New Years Eve

Me, Heather, and our goofball, Victoria on NYE

Having fun playing dress-up!

John & Nick enjoying their beer on NYE

Not sure what was up with all of Victoria's faces that weekend...

Eliana enjoying the waterpark

It was tough to get her out of the pool on our last night there.

It was a great weekend away as a large family and something I hope we can do again someday!  Thanks again, Steve, for including us all in Amanda's birthday weekend!