Another year...

Two posts in a row! Yay for me! This one may seem a little self-serving and narcissistic because it's about, well, myself. Yesterday was my birthday, and I really like birthdays. My parents always made a big deal about them (and still do), so I always enjoy waking up on April 20th wondering what the day has in store. So I thought I'd share with you, as many of you reading this called, texted, or emailed that you hoped I'd have a great day [Facebooking counts...].

The day started with my gift from Matt.


Check it out! I have totally jumped on the D-SLR bandwagon and am LOVING it! It was a complete surprise, which is kind of hard with me. If you drop a single hint, I will figure it out (but I'll act like it's a surprise - is that bad?). But Matt dropped no hints and I had no idea.

I had much of the day to myself to clean (cleaning with an empty home is a gift itself) and play with my camera. Here are a few things it can do:



Check out that action shot! I don't know what to do with myself.

The day ended at my favorite restaurant, Agave, with some of my favorite people.





Carrie and Brenda! Loved laughing and indulging with you crazy girls!

And of course Brenda's sweet Jo...


Matt had another surprise in store...this super awesome birthday cake.


Now, this better not show up on Cake Wrecks. It makes perfect sense.

It was a wonderful, quiet day (and happened to be our 1 year celebration of Matt getting laid off). I loved 32 and am looking forward to what 33 holds...

Weekend Highlights

Celebrating my sister's best friend (and best friend's sister, and friend who's like a sister - still following?) at her baby shower ...


...with some of my favorite ladies.


Then celebrating her mom with a grandmother shower!




Cousins getting to know each other...


Some Papa/Anna love...


And of course some Mommy/Holly silliness...


The smiles and giggles of my adorable niece...


Her parents are pretty cool too...


And FINALLY meeting some very important men...








All in all a great - and exhausting - weekend. Missing this collection of special people already.