One day, I decided to take a trip on an airplane. All by myself. For the first time ever, I was offered a free upgrade to a seat with extra legroom. I had to unbuckle my seat belt to reach my magazine. What a waste!
When I arrived (in Salt Lake City), Kati picked me up. She had already prepared the casseroles for our pre-planned mission.
We wrote carefully disguised notes to my mom (from her Visiting Teachers) and to Brady and McCall (note pictured above). We wanted them to know the casseroles were sincere gifts of love, from people other than ourselves.
I hope Kati doesn't mind that I am sharing the recipe for the casseroles:
1 can wax beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 bag tater tots
Top with corn flakes
Isaac helped us quickly drop the casseroles off on the appropriate doorsteps. The idea was that they would get the casseroles, be like, "What the . . .?" and feel baffled for a while. Then later we would text them to ask if we could come pick up our pan. And when we (the Visiting Teachers) came to pick up the pan, it would actually be ME! Coming on a surprise trip from Chicago! Yeah!
The plan kind of worked. The important part is that my parents and siblings were completely surprised to see me, and that Kati and I laughed so hard in the planning process that we probably each wet our pants multiple times. Good times in the Griffin family.
The reason for the surprise trip? I wanted to see my dad and be there for his 60th birthday party . . .
You know, the Mustache Bash
I had a little too much fun helping with decorations for the party. Under any other circumstances, these signs would have been too cheesy for my taste. But it being Dad's party, it seemed completely appropriate.
Did I mention that it was a Mustache Bash?
It was a fun party with my siblings and Dad's parents and siblings.
We played Dave-themed games. This Scrabble/crossword game had trivia questions all about Dad.
Since Dad is famous for his chocolate chip cookies, we had to play the slide-the-cookie-down-the-face game. I think that game has a real name. I also think Grandpa Griffin never would have played it if it didn't mean eating a free cookie.
It was SO great for me to spend time, all on my own, with these people I love . . . like Grandma and Grandpa Griffin
Mom and Dad
Uncle Mark and Aunt MaryAnn
Brady and McCall (and their brand-new baby Blake!)
Aunt Sharon and Uncle Rod
Kati, Joe (not pictured, for some reason), Grandma again, Tanner
Meagan and Tanner
If you ever get the chance to take a trip all by yourself to go to a Mustache Bash, I would highly recommend it. It's good times.
