The Art of Surprise

2011 has been a year of many surprises.

Early in the year, my friends and former boyfriend plotted a surprise for my birthday as they all showed up to meet us in NYC. Since arriving in Paris I have been present for three surprise birthday gatherings.

With all the surprise birthday bashes happening this year, it was no trouble finding the inspiration to throw one for my Dad, who turned 50.

After teasing my Dad since his 49th birthday about his looming march to the top of the “hill,” I figured I had to follow-through with my threats to celebrate and thoroughly embarrass him. And what better theme for this momentous occasion than Hawaii 5-0? If your answer is “none,” you would be correct.

For his present I decided the best thing I could possibly get him would be a little face time. But how do you wrap that? I figured the best method of delivery was to buy some plane tickets, conveniently fail to mention that I would be coming home, and offer up this little gift at his party–in person. Needless to say, it made for a pretty awesome reaction. Here are some photos of the surprise in action: