May was a big month for Grant. Not only did he graduate from law school, but he also turned 30! With such big milestones happening so close together, we had to celebrate in a big way, so I threw him a "surprise" birthday/graduation party the Sunday after we returned to Utah. The surprise factor kind of fizzled when Grant's grandpa and uncle "just showed up" as house guests a few days before the party, and Grant got suspicious. He may have also been tipped off by the quantity of homemade ice cream I was making the entire week to be included in his surprise gelato bar. Surprise or no surprise, it was a great party, and we're so glad so many family and friends were able to celebrate with us!
The happy birthday boy/conquering graduate!
Grant's dual-purpose cake. Turned out a little girlier than what I asked for when I ordered it, but still so yummy!
The gelato shop I could not have been prouder of! I openly admit I stole the idea off my friend Erica's recipe blog. Erica's one talented little cook and super creative, and when I saw her post about a homemade gelato bar, I knew I needed to do that for Grant, who LOVES ice cream! I'm not going to lie -- the 20+ flavor ice cream bar was a bit of work (no, I didn't make it all homemade, but most of it ... I know, I'm insane), but it was SO worth it! It was a huge hit and Grant was sincerely surprised about that element of the party. It's a toss up as to whether or not he or the little kids at the party looked happier when they saw a blissful all-you-can eat ice cream and topping spread laid out for them! It really was a lot of fun and such a great way to celebrate Grant turning thirty and graduating from law school.
Top favorite flavors at the gelato bar:
1. Butter pecan ice cream
2. Marionberry frozen yogurt
3. Ghiradelli chocolate ice cream
4. Mango sorbet
5. Tillamook mudslice ice cream (that one we bought, courtesy of the brand new Winco that opened in Orem ... we're so happy we don't have to go without our favorite Oregon flavors!)
Congrats again, Grant! Now off to conquer the bar ... this week! Once you're all done and passed, we might have to party again ...
7 comments:
The gelato bar looks amazing, Monica! Seriously, you know how to go all out!! I love it!
You're such a great wife!
And thanks for the shout-out!
I'm still thinking about that gelato bar!! It was great!
P.S. We missed you guys at the BBQ yesterday, but we understand that things get crazy with the holiday's. We will have to get together for a play date with everyone.
Now that looks like a FUN way to celebrate! I'm glad it turned out just how you wanted!
Good luck!!!! We will be thinking of you guys this week and look forward to hearing how it went. Love you guys!!!!
Wow! I'm impressed!!
Glad to hear you can get Tillamook Ice Cream in Utah now - I so missed it when I went to school there! Creamery ice cream is good, but doesn't totally compare!
I love the gelato bar idea....what a fun way to celebrate!
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