Friday, May 23rd. Grandpa's 70th birthday party. An event I had been planning since January. Not alone of course but as the head planner/organizer of the event I must say this was A LOT of work! Since this was a surprise party the basics, like getting the guestlist together, determining the menu and entertainment took more work than most events and with a handful of us holding decision and brainstorming discussions regularly every detail was consuming. (Let's just say family members tend to be a lot more opinionated and argumentative than my regular clients. Yikes.) But all in all, obstacles and disagreements aside, this was a wonderful event and grandpa was extremely surprised and pleased. A themed party - Puerto Rico in the 50's - men in traditional guayaberas, women in flowly sundresses. Coqui lapel souvenirs with Julio Rafael Rodriguez inscripted on the green paper leaves the coqui sits on. Tropical tree table toppers. Yuca frita, bacalaitos and platanos passed around by the waitstaff. Coconut mojitos and sangria at the bar. Charo impersonator mingling with the crowd. Dinner commences with a speech and photo presentation of Grandpa in his 20's, 30's, 40's and present day as the salsa band sings "El Jibarito" acapella. After a dinner of paella, pernil and roasted chicken a dance group performs to West Side Story leading us into dessert - tres leches cake, flan, chocolate mousse and finally on to dancing as the salsa band gets busy. The venue lay out, staff and entertainers - all on point. We leave at 1a with a very emotional and now very tipsy grandpa. (Querido Abuelo - you are my hero. Thank you for being the amazing, thoughtful, family man that you are. You are loved by everyone.)
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