Grandparents make 140-mile round trip for 4th birthday surprise

"As soon as he saw the truck, he said, 'Papa!'"

Grandparents make 140-mile round trip for 4th birthday surprise
Mary Ann Stammer
May 13, 2020, 2:10 PM

A grandmother and grandfather traveled 140 miles for a seconds-long curbside celebration in honor of their grandson's birthday.

Steve and Shelley Murphy, also known as "Papa" and "Bana," recently surprised 4-year-old Murphy Stammer, in Des Moines, Iowa, as 20 cars lined up during the pandemic.

PHOTO: Steve and Shelley Murphy, lovingly known as "Papa" and "Bana," recently surprised 4-year-old Murphy Stammer, in Des Moines, Iowa, as 20 cars lined up during the pandemic.
Steve and Shelley Murphy, lovingly known as "Papa" and "Bana," recently surprised 4-year-old Murphy Stammer, in Des Moines, Iowa, as 20 cars lined up during the pandemic.
Mary Ann Stammer

"As soon as he saw the truck, he said, 'Papa!'" mom Mary Ann Stammer told "Good Morning America." "It didn't surprise me at all that they would make the trip. That's just who they are."

PHOTO: Murphy Stammer's grandmother and grandfather traveled 140 miles for a seconds-long curbside celebration in honor of his birthday April 20, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Murphy Stammer's grandmother and grandfather traveled 140 miles for a seconds-long curbside celebration in honor of his birthday April 20, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mary Ann Stammer
PHOTO: Murphy Stammer, 4, poses in a birthday photo shoot in Des Moines, Iowa.
Murphy Stammer, 4, poses in a birthday photo shoot in Des Moines, Iowa.
Megan Elaine Photography

Steve and Shelley live an hour away in the city of Thayer, but refused to miss the quick, drive-by parade.

PHOTO: Steve and Shelley Murphy, lovingly known as "Papa" and "Bana," recently surprised 4-year-old Murphy Stammer, driving 140 miles round trip to Des Moines, Iowa, during the pandemic.
Steve and Shelley Murphy, lovingly known as "Papa" and "Bana," recently surprised 4-year-old Murphy Stammer, driving 140 miles round trip to Des Moines, Iowa, during the pandemic.
Mary Ann Stammer
PHOTO: Murphy Stammer loved seeing family pass his home during his birthday parade in Des Moines, Iowa, especially his Aunt Lindsey who was dressed in a dinosaur costume.
Murphy Stammer loved seeing family pass his home during his birthday parade in Des Moines, Iowa, especially his Aunt Lindsey who was dressed in a dinosaur costume.
Mary Ann Stammer

"It was nice to see who all showed up for a couple of seconds," Stammer said.

PHOTO: Steve Murphy of Thayer, Iowa, surprised his 4-year-old grandson, Murphy, in Des Moines, Iowa, as 20 cars lined up during the pandemic.
Steve Murphy of Thayer, Iowa, surprised his 4-year-old grandson, Murphy, in Des Moines, Iowa, as 20 cars lined up during the pandemic.
Mary Ann Stammer

Murphy loved seeing family pass his home, especially his Aunt Lindsey who dressed in a dinosaur costume.

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