?Good Morning, Bliven family?

The community of Minot felt it; something was happening. Some speculated the president was coming to town, or was it an unannounced concert?

But when the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition motor coach pulled up in front of Michelle and Bill Bliven’s home, friends and neighbors quickly gathered to witness the surprised family meet Ty Pennington, the design team and Fargo builder, Heritage Homes.

• 7:48 a.m., Ty raised his megaphone and shouted “Good morning, Bliven family.” Taylor and Kristen were first out the door to greet him, followed by Bill. Aaron squealed with delight as Michelle wheeled him down the ramp, instantly recognizing the visitors.
• More than 30 neighbors and friends clustered around the delighted family…what a way for Michelle and Bill to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary today.
• Daryl Braham and Tyrone Leslie with Heritage Homes were thrilled to meet the Bliven family in person-increasing the builder’s enthusiasm for the week ahead.
• Aaron presented Dream Catchers bracelets to the design team and the Heritage Homes partners. Watch for the bracelets throughout the week.
• Aaron also was adamant that the crew knew the World of Outlaws were in Minot tonight. (He was likely planning to go himself.) Race organizers offered to use the race to rally volunteers.
• By the afternoon, the family was packed and departed for a Disney Cruise vacation.
• Word spread quickly throughout the community. Volunteers began to show up at the site, compelled to help because they have been touched by the family in some way.
• The Heritage Home staff and volunteers began setting up for the week – RVs, tents and construction staging went up and dozens of other logistics were handled today.

“This is better than the lottery,” stated family friend, Ken Herslip of Minot, as he volunteered to be the construction volunteer leader for the entire week.