The drive from the lake was pleasant. Skylar, Reed and Lilly visited and recounted the happy events on the lake and how much they all enjoyed the sailing ship! As they turned down the street to Lilly's B&B, Lilly noted there seemed to be a lot more cars parked on the street than usual. She wondered what was going on. The closer they got to her house, the more cars there were. Once the outline of the house showed up, Lilly exclaimed,'What in the name of Sam Houston is going on at my house? That little rat of a brother of mine better not be having a party while I'm gone! I'll tan his hide if he is!' They pull into the driveway and Lilly exclaims again, 'That's Lance's Challenger in the drive-way! How did he ever get here before us? I thought he was behind us coming from the lake! And what is that ugly tent doing in the vacant lot? Things sure look suspicious. Did Leo have a party and everyone left already? I just don't get it!' 'I noticed Lance pulled off the road a ways back.' says Skylar. 'I didn't say anything cause I thought he was just making a pit stop or something.' They park Eleanor by Lance's Challenger unload the picnic supplies and start to enter the house. Lilly fumbles with the keys and wonders why there aren't any lights on when all of a sudden, there is a loud roar of several voices hooping and hollering at the same time 'Surprize!' and 'Happy Birthday Lilly!' Just then, the front step lights come on and Leo and Lance both come out the front door and give their dumbfounded sister great big hugs at the same time. By new she has tears in her eyes as she protests limply, 'I told you guys I didn't want to celebrate my birthday!' 'We know, Lilly! We know! But we couldn't let your 25th pass by without some kind of passage! We pitched the tent in the vacant lot so there wouldn't be any collateral damage to your house. Got permissions and everything from the owners and all your neighbors are here as well so there shouldn't be any complaints about a party going on so late.' So after Lilly and the guys freshen up from the trip, they mosey on out to the tent where the party is now in full swing. Some of the party goers are bringing out food and drinks and other people are sitting at the tables while other little groups of men are forming where tall tales are being exchanged. The party is a huge success with everyone enjoying the festivities. The boys have even arranged for a band to play so there is dancing and singing and carrying on in many various manifestations! About mid- way though the night, the boys wheel out a huge birthday cake. Once they get it in the center of the crowd, everyone sings 'The Song'. Lilly blows out as many candles as she can but it takes a few breaths since they are scattered all over the cake and it is so huge. She just gets the last one blown out and the top shoots up into the air and a chippendale pole dancer pops out, jumps down on the ground and gives her a 'special birthday dance'! The crowd goes wild with enthusiasm and Lilly turns several shades of red. But you can tell she is having a great time, no matter how much she protests. The party lasts into the wee hours of the morning. The last revelers leave about 4 am. 'We'll take care of the clean up later today!' Says Lance as Leo nods in agreement. They all stumble into the house and hit the hay, happily exhausted. ------------------------ Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!