The REAL surprise party

So, my hubby's b-day was this Saturday. We're now officially 10 years apart again. For about a month and a half (from the end of May to the second week in July) we're 9 years apart, age-wise. We were joking about it (because a couple friends of ours were talking about how they were now, finally, in the same decade) and saying that there would only be one month when we'd be in the same decade. Anyway, we had a semi-surprise party on Saturday. I say semi-surprise because I really, really, really suck at keeping secrets from him, and, rather than trying to come up with something clever (which he would suspect anyway, since his birthday was on a Saturday), I just told him that I'd planned a party for him and what we were doing was a surprise. It's usually the best I can manage. Unfortunately, he wouldn't make up his mind until last Tuesday (4 days before his actual birthday!) whether or not he wanted something quiet with just the two of us or a large group party. He opted for the large group, but 4 days' notice is really not enough to get everyone together. Surprisingly, though, quite a few people could make it and we went to a local mini-golfing, go-kart racing, bumper boating, video gaming place for a really, really fun day. We both got thoroughly scorched because it never occurred to me to put on sunblock. Shut up. I remember when we go to the beach! It was a blast! We had 8 people so we golfed in 2 groups of 4. My niece absolutely kicked my butt (I had 90, she had 60-something, I think). Well, actually, everyone kicked my butt at golfing, including the birthday boy. But I won in the go-kart racing! Two of the people there had a bet on about who would have the better score between the two of them in golf. The funny thing is, the guy who lost plays real golf for fun. Mind you, he only lost by one point, but he still lost, so he had to buy the beer when we went for pizza. (Yes, that's what he wanted! I wasn't just being cheap!) A couple more people met us at the pizza place, including the Amazing Ilsa who can run on 2 hours sleep in 48 hours, work, do most of the preparation for a party, be dazzling during the party, work again, and still not hate me. And we all know it takes a lot of work to not hate me. Then we chatted a lot, and started telling stories (embarrassing ones) about Anthony... which somehow morphed into stories about me... which somehow turned into a discussion of my recent escapade. Oh yeah, let me tell you how much fun that was! No, seriously, though, we had a fantastic time. That's the first time I think he's ever not been the one to try to prompt us to leave. He had a lot of fun. I think this was the best birthday party I've ever thrown for him.



So, now we're going to try to top it. In two weeks, we're having a surprise party for him, most likely at the home of some long-time friends of ours. Well, she's a long-time friend, and she married him, so that makes him our friend, too. :) Of course, we like him for himself, as well. So far, we're not sure what, exactly, we're going to do... but we have lots of fun ideas. So, if you have any suggestions, chime in, please! He's an aerospace engineer (interested in propulsion which, if you think about it, makes him a rocket scientist), a severe Trekkie, addicted to PC games, interested in all things space and Lego, particularly all things which combine the two, and likes doing things for parties rather than hanging out and talking.



And, in case you were wondering, I am trying to pull this off as a complete surprise. I think I have a certain amount of luck on my side since he probably isn't expecting anything at this point. I also have several people collaborating with me to help. There have been several hitches so far (already!), but I think things will work out for the best. So, yeah... ideas, folks! I know you've got them!