• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Family
  • Good News

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

0:40
Grandparents make 140-mile round-trip for 4th birthday surprise
Mary Ann Stammer
ByNicole Pelletiere
May 13, 2020, 6:10 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.

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."

Related Articles

MORE: 3-year-old hands dad his MBA 'degree' in front yard graduation celebration

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
Murphy Stammer, 4, poses in a birthday photo shoot in Des Moines, Iowa.
Megan Elaine Photography

Editor’s Picks

After coronavirus puts IVF on hold, couple answers call to adopt preemie

  • May 12, 2020

'I’ve never been away from them this long': Moms on the front lines of COVID-19

  • May 07, 2020

Why this 3rd grade teacher delivered stuffed animals to her students door-to-door

  • May 08, 2020

Related Articles

MORE: 3-year-old girl who loves sanitation workers surprised with garbage truck birthday parade

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

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
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.

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.

Related Topics

  • Good News

Editor’s Picks

After coronavirus puts IVF on hold, couple answers call to adopt preemie

  • May 12, 2020

'I’ve never been away from them this long': Moms on the front lines of COVID-19

  • May 07, 2020

Why this 3rd grade teacher delivered stuffed animals to her students door-to-door

  • May 08, 2020

Up Next in Family—

Mariska Hargitay, Peter Hermann and their 3 kids pose together as family in Cannes

May 19, 2025

Influencer Emilie Kiser's 3-year-old son dies following drowning incident

May 19, 2025

Mom speaks out after coaches say 11-year-old daughter is too old to compete

May 19, 2025

'Pioneer Woman' Ree Drummond's daughter Paige marries David Andersen

May 18, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News