Wow. That sums it up. Jim threw me the best birthday party I’ve ever had (sorry, Mom and Dad!). He told me that we were getting dressed up and needed to be in Seattle at 6:30. Beyond that, I had no idea… that he was hosting a private dinner party at a luxury hotel for twenty of our friends.
We arrived at Hotel 1000 and the valet attendants asked if we were there for the party. I said yes, that I was the birthday girl. And he said, “Then this is for you!” and handed me a long-stemmed red rose. A great start to a beautiful evening!
Up to the fourth floor (passing an employee, who said, “Hello, Mr. Keene”), and we walked into the library, where everyone was waiting. They did not yell “surprise,” which I appreciated, but partly because they were busy enjoying appetizers and drinks. And some people were watching basketball. 🙂 Right away, a server swooped in to take my jacket and deliver me a drink. I was in awe!
The library
Greeting the guests
Brian and Jen – and Katie
The Wednesday workout girls plus a couple husbands
After lots of hugs and mingling, it was time for dinner. A server came in and quietly asked groups to move to the terrace, where tables were set with linens, china, and stemware. We enjoyed a lovely salad, a champagne intermezzo, and a choice of grilled halibut or New York steak. Everyone commented that the food was amazing. I had the steak, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The server set my plate first for every course, something you notice if you’ve spent four years at sorority etiquette dinners.
Chatting before the food arrived
Mike, Sunny, and Sarah
Dana, Kacie, and Kirk
While coffee was being poured, Jim did something that scares him more than his day job… he gave a speech. (He got a 4.0 in speech at UW, but whatever.) He basically bragged about and loved on me for five minutes. It was adorable and made me feel extremely special.
Jim gesturing toward me…
while I listen with a smile.
Then the serving team brought out our dessert… Costco cake – my favorite. Jim had told the server beforehand to bring my favorite piece: a double-portion of the corner with extra frosting. Everyone at my table laughed when she set my plate in front of me!
People hung out and talked and laughed until almost eleven. That’s pretty late for a bunch of thirty-year-olds with babysitters at home!
Right before we left, Emrie pulled me off to the side. She had delivered a gift (even though the invitation stated no gifts) from her and three other friends. Inside the gift bag was – be still my heart! – a Tiffany’s box. And inside the box was a beautiful pair of knot earrings. They are very much my style, will last a lifetime, and look lovely with everything. I’m wearing them now!
I felt like Cinderella and didn’t want the night to end. While waiting for our car from valet, the attendant noticed that my rose had wilted a little. He smiled and said, “Let me fix that for you,” and brought me a fresh one. Then we hopped in our car, which was freshly stocked with chilled bottled water, and went home.
I so appreciate all who came and made my special night perfect. A thank you to Zack for bringing his camera and snapping the pictures. Another thank you to my friends Sarah and Adam, who apparently helped with lots of details, including invitations, music, and cake delivery. And most of all, the husband of the century award goes to Jim, who did so much work to make my thirtieth birthday elegant, amazing, and incredibly memorable!
The Keene Family 