It's Gonna Be Great in '78

3o years ago a man named Daniel John Nelson was born. It isn't everyday that you celebrate a day as epic as your thirtieth birthday. In fact it is an event so important that it should be celebrated over several days. After careful discussion we determined that we would have a Friday party of mini golf and dinner. Because Dan's birthday is on 5/4 we gave it a Star Wars theme "May the fourth be with you".

The Dapper Gentleman. He had to rent a tux for a wedding on Saturday.

After a bit of research I discovered that there was a miniature golf course not too far away. I sent out what I would call a pretty clever and awesome invite, that featured a picture of Luke Skywalker looking out into the distance , and plenty of Star Wars jokes. If anyone on the list didn't know I was a Star Wars nerd, they know now. The group started to trickle into our place with Dan Clark and Jenny Corry arriving on time. Holly, Kat, Scott and David came. Melanie and Emily G followed, and eventually Kristi decided to grace us with her presence although it took her a minute.

I like every one of these people. I generally can't say that about the parties I attend. Let's just say that no Merton Hanks and Rod Woodson types were invited.

We headed out onto the links and divided into groups. I was with Dan Clark, Kristi, and Jenny. We had a very spirited round which had a number of highlights. They included Dan going back to back hole in ones, me taking off my shirt after making a six ( I think it inspired me because I had back to back two's) me fishing a ball out of the gross pond, and Jenny making a comment that I am sure was innocent enough, just an observation really, but nevertheless was quite provocative and funny.

Could they be any more precious? A lady and her Bessey.

It's always fun when our married friends show up. Ryan and Kaylyn show that just because you are married you don't have to forget about your single friends. I was also really happy to find out that Ryan and Kaylyn are in the same ward as JJ and Jennifer in Fairfax. Hooray! I'm thinking they all need to come over for the game on Sunday.

The World's Greatest 3rd grade teacher Miss Mealnie Beal. She ended up wearing my camera case on her belt. Eh.

After golf we headed over to PF Chang's in Ballston. I rode over with Kristi. It was a pleasant ride over with the small exception that her A/C smelled like gasoline. Usually that is not a good thing. It sort of gave me a "W". After later inspection she determined that the geniuses at Jiffy Lube had not put her oil cap back on. Thus hot oil was all over her engine. She assured me that they gave her a refund and fixed the problem.

I don't like to be bossy. It really isn't my nature, but since I had planned the party it was up to me to get everyone in the cars and to the restaurant. We were successful.

Newest resident of 3076 Mr. Jim Reimann. Did not sleep in the garage last night. Cousin Darl made it for dinner, as did Matt P. Waldrip.

Dinner at Chang's was of course delicious. I love Mongolian Beef, Lettuce Wraps , and Crispy Honey Shrimp. We got the Dan Dan noodles in honor of the birthday boy and I had the mini Great Wall. I insisted on family style and it worked out nicely.

Melanie gave Dan an awesome present. She teaches third grade and that is the age that kids practice writing letters. So for a little writing exercise she had the kids write birthday cards. She told the kids, the things Dan likes. Primarily the Yankees, and BYU cougars. The kids made great cards that asked many random questions. The best though by far was the little girl who wrote, "PS, my mom was born in 1978." Awesome.

So we have mini golf, and dinner at Chang's and that was simply not enough. Melanie invited us to her house for dinner on Sunday. We watched our Lakers beat the Jazz, (sorry Danielle and Kristi) and then headed for a nice dinner.

Two Dinners, Mini Golf, what more could a guy ask for? Well, how about a cake decorated like R2-D2 and a recreation of the awards ceremony from the end of Star Wars.

Joe in the middle of a "two pack." Joe where waz yooz doodz on Friday? That gigantic tub of Cheese Puffs was another great gift from Melanie.

Not only is she a party planner extraordinaire McMary is also an amazing cake maker. She created this amazing Artoo cake. It just blew us away. (No wonder I've been barking up that tree for months.) I thought to properly present this cake we would need music. I ran upstairs to download the Star Wars theme song from iTunes.

My vision was not quite met as the cake was presented before I could play the song for the big entrance. I did however have another what I felt brilliant idea. With Dan in the role of Luke, Joe playing the role of Han, and Jim rocking the sweet beard he passed for Chewie. It looked a lot like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSZB0NjRqzc.

Mary never ceases to amaze.

Hayden, came and brought the southern hospitality( as well as Snickerdoodles). I think I promised her I would put our picture on the blog, but my smile in the picture is so dopey that we'll have to take another one (that is to say if she is still talking to me. Not quite sure about that.)

We spent the rest of the evening having fun just relaxing and enjoying the good company. No it wasn't the destination birthday we had thought about doing but it was still a lot of fun.

Holly, Dan, Mel, Emily G (hiding behind Louisa, the practice head) Amber, and of course Me.

So Happy Birthday Dan. Thanks for being a great friend!