Hello everyone! Sorry I have been a little MIA this weekend. I was involved in a little surprise for my mom’s 60th birthday down in Virginia, and since she is an avid blog reader (Hi Mom!), I had to stay off the blog and twitter!
Fiancé and I went down to Virginia on Friday evening and got to see two of my best friends (and bridesmaids!), the Michel(l)e’s! We had a blast catching up, brunching, talking wedding talk and just hanging out. I love these ladies – but before I knew it, I had to say goodbye to my friends and head on over to my parent’s house to help surprise my mom for her birthday!
My dad went all out for the surprise this year and rented a limo to meet on the next street over from our house.
I felt pretty big pimpin’ hanging out in the limo all night!
Jackson even got to come help surprise my mom!
It was his first time in a limo, so he was pretty pumped.
He was just maxin’ and relaxin’
Also in the limo – Fiancé, my uncle John, my brother Michael, his girlfriend Joan.
We all met at the limo early just to make sure everyone was on time.
And yes…Jackson is wearing a bowtie. That’s how he rolls.
My dad told my mom he was taking her out to dinner, but when she stepped outside, she saw a big white limo!
And when she looked inside the limo she saw her family waiting to surprise her!
My mom was pretty excited to see us all waiting to help her celebrate her 60th birthday! It was a great surprise!
My dad pulled off a pretty sweet birthday surprise. He even had her favorite drink (pomegranate martini) waiting in the limo for all us to toast with!
No one had any idea where we were going in the limo. My dad kept everything a secret, so where we were going was a surprise not only for my mom, but for the rest of us too! It was nice to sit back and relax in the limo with a drink and enjoy the company of my family.
Before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination. Any ideas as to where we went?
We dined at the incredible L’Auberge Chez Francois, which is a fancy French restaurant that serves 6 course meals. It is a place my parents go to on very special occasions.
We went here in October 2009 to celebrate our engagement!
This picture looks familiar!
My dad, fiancé and I enjoyed a bottle of Pinot Noir with dinner.
The birthday girl got a Cosmo.
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Before I get into dinner, I would like to let you know that the lighting was very dark last night so the pictures of the evening were a bit difficult. I did manage to get the exact same meal that I had last time I was dining at L’Auberge Chez Francois, so if you want to see better pictures of the food, check that out here.
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Back to the eats! The evening started off with a lovely tasting of a spinach and onion quiche. It was delish!
Next up I had the French Onion soup.
My uncle was super adventurous and got the Frog Legs. He said they were delicious! Fiancé was brave and tried one and said it was good too.
Next up was a fresh salad. The garlic crouton on top was insane.
Then it was time to cleanse our palates with some grapefruit sorbet. It was out of this world good! Yum!
Are you full yet? Because the main course is about to be served. Fiancé and I shared the Châteaubriand which is filet for two served with assorted fresh vegetables, béarnaise and truffle sauce prepared tableside
It was very tasty – but SO MUCH FOOD!
My dad, uncle and brother waiting for the next course.
My brother and Joan.
Fiancé and I – he was unable to keep his eyes open in about 25 pictures taken. This was the best one. Tear. I wanted a nice one of the two of us!
We tried to recreate our toast from our engagement dinner, but it didn’t work out so well.
Happy birthday Mom!
Then it was time for cake!
Cheers to 60 more years!
The cake was chocolate with raspberries. It was amazing.
With a side of truffles.
We also got dessert with dinner, aside from the cake. Half the table got sorbet.
I got the plum tart and had a bite or two, but I was SO FULL!
Fiancé had the best cheesecake I had ever tasted. It was delish!
And then after 6 + courses and a full belly later, it was time to head back out to the limo and head home.
It was an amazing meal and such a fun evening. I am so happy I was able to spend the night with my family and help my mom celebrate her birthday.
Love you Mom! You are the best! XOXO!
Happy Birthday!

11 Comments
What a great time! Happy birthday to your LOVELY mom!
Adorable !! Happy Birthday "Little Dog Too" Mom 🙂
What a special night with the family! And Jackson…precious.
What a fun day! I adore French food. Yum!
Happy birthday to your mom!
Awww…how fun! Happy birthday to your mom!
Aww happy birthday to your mom! And those photos of Jackson are too cute 🙂
Your mom celebrated in styleee!
I'm glad it all worked out! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE'S MOM!
Cutest 60 year old Mama ever! 🙂 What an awesome idea! (I just sent it to my dad and said HEY – make note of this for mom's 60th!) 🙂 Such a sweet family! Happy Birthday AHLDT mama!
Loved my birthday celebration with my awesome family! Loved your post Leslie and I love you bunches too! Don't know what I would have done without you in my life! Can't wait to celebrate with you in Vegas Baby!
You're the BEST…