Dad's 70th party

Sooo, blogging while I was on vacation did not happen. With both sets of family in the same city, we really didn't have any down time at all. I know I shouldn't be hard on myself. It's a hobby, and everyone understands that real life happens. But, I hate leaving you guys hanging without warning, so I apologize for the inadvertent radio silence!!

All that out of the way, we are back! We were gone Sunday to Sunday, and I will definitely share all the details about what we did and what I wore over the next few days, but I wanted to fast forward to the end of the vacation first when we had a 70th birthday party for my dad! I loved wearing this dress so much!

Outfit details--- Sunnies: Ray Ban | Earrings: Kendra Scott "Addie" | Dress: Express (limited sizes) (other lace dress options here and here) | Bracelet: Kendra Scott "Candice" | Shoes: Valentino "Rockstud" ---

Let's go ahead and talk about this dress first before we go into the details about the party. I bought it during the Memorial Day sales, so unfortunately, sizes are pretty limited at this point. I still posted the exact link in case you get lucky and see it in stores, or if they happen to stock additional sizes. I always size up when things are fitted through the bodice like this - so I'm wearing a size 6 for reference. I'm 5'-2" and the length was comfortable on me, though I would be wary if you are any taller than me as it could turn into a pretty short mini dress!

The party was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Orange County. My sister and I planned it for about 100 (!!) guests. Dinner was outside in a courtyard space and then there were additional tables inside surrounding the dance floor where the DJ was. We decided to go with outside catering because my dad really wanted Chinese food. (This was definitely higher end Chinese food, not your typical greasy spoon hole-in-the-wall that you're used to.) We had appetizers and open bar service for the first hour of the party, with family style dinner served closer to 7pm. My dad made it clear that he wanted family style vs. a buffet or single entrees. 

We started with Crab & Asparagus soup followed by House Special Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic Sauce. The main courses were Salt and Pepper Lobster, French Style Beef Steak, and Shrimp Fried Rice. We had fruit and THREE cakes for dessert because my mom's birthday falls the day after my dad's and my brother in law's birthday is on the 11th. Needless to say, no one left hungry!

We had friends and family send videos and old photos of my dad so that we could show a video presentation after dinner. He was so surprised by this! Oh! Speaking of surprises! My brother and sister-in-law recently had a baby (Memorial Day weekend to be exact!) My brother didn't think he was going to make it, but ended up booking his flight super last minute. He literally flew in from San Antonio Saturday morning and flew out at 8am Sunday morning! It was a whirlwind for sure, but my dad's reaction was priceless! 

We weren't sure how he was going to make his entry, especially since the party started outdoors. We had him hiding out in my cousin's hotel room until my sister and I could confirm my dad's arrival and whereabouts at the party! We distracted him from turning around and seeing my brother walk into the courtyard by having him pose for group photos. What he didn't realize was that my brother came up and stood behind him for one of those photos. My dad had no idea he was in a photo with my brother until we handed him the phone so he could see for himself! You can watch his reaction in this quick video here! It makes me happy cry just re-telling the story. So happy we were able to surprise my dad!

After the video presentation and cakes, it was time to dance! We had a couple of ballroom dance instructors there to instruct the crowd on the dance floor. In addition to your typical "line" dances (Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble, Cha Cha Slide, etc.) they taught us moves to Uptown Funk, Blurred Lines, among others, and I was so not good at this.  Dancing is definitely not in my skill set! Especially after bourbon! Ha! But it was still a lot of fun to burn calories and have my own little dance party!

The party went all the way to midnight and my parents were troopers and were the last to leave. My dad made a little speech prior to dinner saying that the party really wasn't for him, it was for all of the attendees since we all shaped his life and made him who he is today. We had people fly in from Texas, Florida, and the midwest, and he even knew the DJ since he was 5 years old because they used to be neighbors. How cool is that? It was touching to watch the video and see the outpouring of love for my dad. Proud to be his daughter!

And that is it! Such a fun way to end our week in California! Again, more to come about the rest of the trip! Until then - have a great Monday!

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