It was a birthday to remember on Friday for 16 year old Ali Mann, who thought she was just going to the Big Dipper in Converse for some ice cream.

Instead, Ali was the star of her own surprise parade through Converse and Swayzee. Her sister, Bridgette Boswell, told the Kokomo Tribune that she’s been talking about her 16th birthday since she was 12. Boswell and her family wanted to make the day special for Ali, who has Down Syndrome and was born with a severe heart defect that required surgery when she was just 4 months old.

Boswell said that the family has always treated her like anyone else, but said she is special for the fact that she’s here and God has blessed the family through her.

You can read more about what Ali called the “Best. Birthday. Ever.” from the Kokomo Tribune.