Mother's Day in Beverly Hills

When my mom asked me a few months ago if we wanted to go to Beverly Hill's for Joyce's 80th surprise birthday party I didn't hesitate to say YES!  The past few years in Zion's have given both Randy and I the opportunity to get to know Joyce better.  She has had such an amazing life and being around her makes me feel closer to Grandma Joanne.  Her birthday weekend  happened to fall on Mother's Day.  I got a little break from being a mom and was able to come home in time to celebrate with my kids.  It was perfect.  Not to mention we got to travel with two of my favorite people ever, my parents!  When we arrived in California we met Shellie and Jeff for a delicious lunch at a quaint Italian restaurant in LA.  I was really searching for celebrities, but didn't see one.  Our gorgeous hotel was located right on the Sunset Strip.  This was the view from our room.  Sharing a room with my parents is an experience all by itself!  I was so entertained.  We took our time getting all primped for the big party.  It was so exciting.  How often does this mother of 3 from Lehi get to jet set to California for the night to attend a swanky party in Beverly Hills?  The answer would be NEVER!

  

We arrived to a beautiful mansion and it was just how I had imagined it would be.  Delicious catered food, a DJ, white leather couches in the yard, and candles surrounding a beautiful pool.  It was pretty surreal.

My parents looked amazing.

I couldn't be more lucky to call this beautiful woman my mom.  She's simply the best.

Joyce was so surprised and shocked to see all of us there.  It was the perfect reaction.  I can only hope to have so many friends and family present at my 80th birthday party, if I live that long...

I will also be feeling pretty damn good about myself if I can rock shoes like Joyce when I'm 80, or 34!  Who wears shoes like this when they are 80?  I can't get over it.

Randy and I deserve all the credit for getting everyone out on the dance floor!  I can't pass up a chance to get my groove on.  Spending some quality time with my man isn't too bad either.

My mom even did the "grandma Jackie dance".

Here we are with the lady of the hour.  She couldn't have been more appreciative we were there.  I'm so glad we made the effort to be with her on her special day.  

The next morning we ate breakfast with the family and I got a chance to visit with Joyce for a good hour or more.  We didn't have much time before our flight but I'm happy we had a chance to talk.  I couldn't stop thinking about my Grandma Joanne.  She would've loved the party and loved that we were all there.  

When we got home, Jeri had a beautiful Mother's Day dinner waiting for us.  How's that for a sweet set-up?  She watched our kids and fed us the moment we stepped off the plane.  

Lennon and Sam cuddled in the chair while the rest of us ate dinner.

These gorgeous flowers from Randy were waiting for me when we got home later that night.

I'm so happy I was able to spend the rest of the day with the three boys who made me a mother.  They are my greatest accomplishment.  It's still crazy to me that these 3 are mine!  I don't know what I did to deserve them but I am grateful everyday for each one of them.  Being a mom is what I was meant to be.  My boys are my whole world.  I never knew I could have so much love in my life.  As fun as it was to spend the day in California, I wouldn't trade my life here for anything.