Brad's Surprise Birthday Bash at the Ballpark!

Today is Brad's birthday and it is the big 4-0. So, I knew we had to do something special!! Therefore the planning began some time ago and I had lots of help! For weeks, all Brad had been told was that we had plans last night and that I would be at his office at 4PM to pick him up. I had also told him that he should eat a light lunch and wear his tennis shoes... but that was it!

So, I left work at 2:30 yesterday and rushed home. I gathered up some shorts for Brad to change into and some other birthday details... like his parents!! They drove in from Boerne and met me at the house. Together we headed over to Brad's office. I hadn't been there to meet everyone yet and his parents hadn't yet seen where he worked, so it worked out perfectly. Now remember, Brad only knew that I was coming so he gave me a really funny look when I walked in with his parents!

After walking around his office and meeting everyone, we kidnapped Brad for the rest of the day and headed to dinner. We went to an Austin tradition... Salt Lick BBQ. A few years ago, they opened their second location in Round Rock, next to the Dell Diamond baseball field. The food is just as good without the drive out to Driftwood. However, it is still a bit out of the way so as soon as I headed down Hwy 79, Brad knew where we were eating! And now he knew why I told him to eat a light lunch because at Salt Lick, there is only one way to really enjoy their BBQ... all you can eat Family Style!

Just as we turned in to Salt Lick, Brad's Dad played into the mystery of the day by asking about the Dell Diamond. So, I explained that it was the home of the Triple A Affiliate to the Texas Rangers ("Farm Team"), the Round Rock Express. He even asked if they were playing that night and I pretended to not be able to read the sign and said I didn't know! Sneaky...

This was Larry & Dorothy's first time there so we enjoyed introducing them to the yumminess. We chatted and enjoyed dinner. 

As we wrapped up dinner, I explained to Brad that for the next part of his birthday, he would need to change into shorts (which I brought him). Then I told him he would also have to change his shirt. I handed him a RR Express t-shirt I had bought him and he said, "We are going to the game, aren't we?" YAY! It was also then that he saw this his t-shirt wasn't the average Express shirt. My friend Sally had helped me customize it... she printed the back like a jersey and it said "Becker 40".

We walked into the stadium and I guided us to where I knew the next surprise was waiting. Brad thought it was just us four going to the game but little did he know we had friends waiting! Laura and Mary had gotten their early to reserved a good spot in the lawn section. they had "Look Who is 40" signs and blankets all laid out and ready. We were greeted by "Surprise!!!!"

Our early birds that claimed our spot!

We settled into our seats to enjoy the game and visit with everyone. Throughout the evening other friends arrived, extending the surprises for the birthday boy! 

Brad visiting with Greg. Kristen and Hunter watching the game.

Mary watched the game for a while. However, after the players stopped flirting back, she decided to read. :o)

It was a very mild night for the middle of the summer!

Brad and soon-to-be-parents, Crystal and Robert!

Brad and Lili

But we weren't done with surprises yet... During the middle of the 3rd Inning, they announced all the birthdays in the house and I got Brad's name on the list! It was a fun moment. 

(Email link for video.)

Watch the scoreboard and then you can hear us cheer for Brad!

Shortly after that, our friend Sara showed up with the final surprise... a beautiful cake! She really did a great job and I can't thank her enough!!! Not only was it so well done and creative but it was yummy!!! Of course, Brad and I happen to have the same favorite cake (yellow cake with chocolate frosting), so I was just pleased as he was!

Sara & Brad

Awesome cake by Sara!

 We sang happy birthday, continued to enjoy every one's company and the game. 

Singing "Happy Birthday".

Doing the "Chicken Dance".

These girls crack me up!

Take One.

Take Two.

Take three... finally!

Sadly, the Express lost but the night was still a birthday success!! Thank you everyone that came, kept the secret and made the night memorable for Brad. Thank you to Laura, Mary and Sara for your help and to Sally for screen printing Brad's shirt. Finally, thank you to Larry & Dorothy for making the drive in for the night. 

Group photo!! Unfortunately some folks had already left!

One of the fun but smaller details were the tickets! I had bought a block of group tickets for everyone. I didn't even notice when I picked them up that they had customized them for us! 

See it on the right-hand side? 

Also, the plates and napkins were fun. I broke all sorts of baseball rules by bringing Dodgers napkins into the house of a Rangers team. Oh well! Blame Brad... he is a Dodgers fan!!