here are some pictures I drew up.. what do you think about postcards?

It's official -- we have Discovery Park visitor's center

... we have it from 1-5, but they allow an extra half hour on each end (for which we have to pay the staff person; that means we can have that time for set-up and tear-down.)

There is a full kitchen. We can use their coffee pot, but have to bring our own filters and coffee. (Is this something we'll be doing, you think??)

Anyhow, Elizzy, want to come to the park with me and check out the facility? It's paid for ($280) Where else could we get a place for such a price?

Now... how about some MUSIC!!??

Angie's Coming

(Unless her grandbaby is being born at that moment.) She figures that it's only a 5 hour drive back to Eugene, so she can come and be "on call". She doesn't remember when the baby is due, but it's some time in November. Aris is the papa and has one daughter that his wife brought into the marriage. This will be a little sister (which REALLY ticked-off the big sister, age 7, she was certain it was a boy, hid behind a curtain and sulked.) She's over it now. All happy.

WHO are the kids that knew Daddy while we were in Eugene? The idea is to get photos of them as littles and as adults, for his edutainment. Angie will help with this.

I haven't called Steve and Lori yet. Someone want to do that today? (Lori at ThinAirAd agency or 484-4830 at home, but I don't know the area code)

514??

Also I think George and Karen are a good bet.

But let's not tell him.

Perhaps a "discovery" theme, then?

... or play on similar words, "cover" "uncover" "discover" "recover"

Think with me, people.

By the way, Lelia is working almost constantly just now, so hasn't been joining the conversation. She will when she can, however.

Last night I asked Rich about how he did my party, and he started telling me about the decorations and the various elements. He wanted to make it really nice for me, he pre-ordered the flowers and brought them, complete with candles and matches, to Marcello's the day of the 55th birthday party. (Which was about $30/head plus wine by the glass, tips, invitations, postage, and decor.)

For my 50th birthday, it was different, with the music and location, caterer, etc.
Different expenses.

So far he doesn't know we have the place, one of us should let him know so it's not hanging heavy over his head.

ok, so we got the place!!!

The Discovery Center (at Discovery park) supposedly can hold 50 people in the room. We need to start compiling a list of people to invite and begin designing the invitations. The address is: 3801 W Government Way, Seattle, WA 98199, and the party will be from 1pm to 5pm ($60/hr) The building closes at 5. So, we were thinking to have it be more of a potluck so that no one was obligated to bring gifts, they could bring great food instead and we could all grub!

Let's begin working on a guest list and developing these invitations. Nov 8th 1-5pm at discovery park.

I think we should get a hold of Eric Gorbman (saron's boss), I also worked for him....



He runs a catering business. It might be expensive though. we ought to check it out still.


-Harrison

I like the Idea

of the Amazing Race, I feel as if two months is a pretty short time to plan something so big and do it well. Dionna's boyfriend Jeff works for the parks department in Redmond. She was mentioning something last night about how he might be able to get us a great deal on a park space for the birthday. Anyone opposed to Redmond?

And he likes an adventure

I've been wondering how we could expand the experience with something like an "Amazing Race" to the gathering place. The picture I have in mind is something like a treasure hunt where he (with a growing crew) is directed from one place to another, finding special people along the way. Maybe George and Karen at the Pike Place Market, Steve and Lori at a coffee shop, Angie at Target by Northgate . . . etc.

For this moment, we need to find a location for the gathering. And I'm trying to figure how to cover the expenses without him knowing exactly what's happening.

He DOES need to choose his guests on his route, maybe we could make him deliver the invitations but not be able to read them? Or maybe the whole gathering part can be known by him and the Amazing Race would be a total surprise.

Lelia, please do some research about locations.

Everyone... know anywhere we can get into for gathering and food?

This is great

Harry, thanks so much for setting this all up. It's a great forum for discussing plans/details.

Here's my early take on my dad and his birthday: I just want to keep in mind that pops is happiest when he is planning an event. I'm not sure if we were hoping to do a big surprise for him or not, but I want to be sure that he has SOMETHING to plan so that he can be involved in the process.

Part of the fun is looking forward to the fun.

This blog will serve to talk about how we are going to do Papas b-day.