SATURDAY, Nov. 19 — Caroline Baas

The kitchen counter was nearly covered with the remnants of a party — crumpled party hats, empty beer bottles and cans, dirty napkins, burst balloon parts, disposable cameras, gifts and birthday cake crumbs.

But when the right song hit, the clutter didn't stop Caroline Baas from dancing atop it all, carefully maneuvering her bare feet around the mess while executing goofy poses and dance moves.

The stereo blasted everything from Nelly to the Beastie Boys at the surprise 21st birthday party Baas' boyfriend Matt Powell threw for her at his apartment.

Powell had picked up Baas earlier that evening with the idea that they would be going out to dinner. When Powell, a criminal justice junior, said he forgot something at home, Baas' walked right into the surprise. They ordered Domino's pizza later to make up for the missed meal.

"I was just shocked," said the English junior. "I just stood there and looked around. There were so many people there."

Baas' friends, many who came from her hometown Holland and Grand Valley State University as part of the surprise, took shots of Southern Comfort, mixed cranberry margaritas in the blender and danced — often on the coffee table — until 2:30 a.m.

The party even came complete with a homemade cake made by Baas' friend, Jeff Yin, a junior at GVSU.

Yin said he used a secret technique to make it just right for the occasion.

"When you pour the cake batter into the pan, you also just pour your heart out," he said, laughing.

Baas purchased her first legal drink the night before at Pizza House, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road. It was one of the few places that served alcohol and allowed Baas' underage roommates to come along.

But the first drink didn't compare to the surprise that her friends and boyfriend gave her the next night. Baas spent most of the party sneaking hugs and quick kisses from Powell.

"It was perfect. It was fun," Baas said. "The object wasn't to get belligerent.

"I wanted to remember it all."