Well, as most of you know, this last weekend was my birthday. I was able to go home for the weekend, which was pretty much amazing. I skipped my one Friday class and drove down and was welcomed with...(drum roll, please) an empty house!!!
woohoo! ahem, not. But it's
ok because everyone showed up not long after. That night I hung out with Jaimie; we held another traditional meeting at the park. We hadn't been there long when Owen joined us, and Joey was quick on his heels. Jaimie and I love the park, but apparently Joey doesn't get quite as excited. I'm not sure which side Owen took
Although, judging by the picture, I think he might have sided with Joey. There isn't a picture of Joey because we couldn't even get him to try a swing...
Saturday started with a big surprise...I got to go to the game! I was so excited I almost peed my pants...almost (not really). I went with Dale, Candi, and Shelbea and we had a ton of fun. Of course, it would have been all-together perfect had we won, but hey, you can't have a perfect birthday every year. I didn't want to have to be responsible for my camera during the game, so I didn't get any pics.
That afternoon I got to hang out with Kristen and Danica. I hadn't realized how long it had been since I'd seen them until Kristen freaked out when she saw my nose ring :-) It was a lot of fun being with them. I can't believe how grown up Danica is! We watched Spongebob together and bonded by throwing blankets. It was nice to be able to semi-catch up with Kristen. I wish we could have had more time together, but it was a very busy weekend.
That night ended up holding another surprise...did you know that the Bryant's are Owen's grandparents? Yeah, apparently everyone knew but me. That night I went out for pizza with Owen and his family. I had no idea Peggy was his grandma! It was fun to see her. Way back in the day, when I was just a wee lass, Peggy taught me how to sew. I would ride my bike over to her house, and we would work in her sewing room for hours. I still remember watching the OJ Simpson trial while we were working....hmmm, funny what we remember.
Sunday morning began early when Jaimie collapsed onto my bed. We talked for awhile and it was very sweet. Then, she stood at the foot of the bed and sang me the birthday song in her most beautiful, squeaky vibrato. She even ended it with a high leg kick! It was pretty spectacular :-) Eventually Dale, Candi, and Shelbea made their way to my room to pass on birthday greetings as well. I even got my coffee in a special birthday mug! Church was super exciting because I got to see all kinds of people I hadn't seen in forever. The only bummer was that Shirley was in Texas, so I missed her. For lunch, I chose to go for mexican and this time they remembered my food, woohoo!
That afternoon Mom and Dad were able to come over for a joint birthday party for Jonathan and I. It was so nice to have them there. Candi made these amazing brownies, which we ate with ice cream and washed down with coffee. Then it was time for presents!! I can't help it, I still get so excited for presents :-) About a month ago, I came to the realization that I love presents because I just adore surprises. It doesn't matter how big or little the surprise is, my heart always starts pumping, my palms get sweaty, and I can't stop smiling. Anyway, Jonathan started since his birthday is first, and I just have to pause here to mention the card Jaimie and I gave him. It was pretty much the best card, ever
As you can see, it was also the biggest card ever :-) I think he loved it,
hehe. But enough about
Jonny's presents...let's get to me :-) I was totally spoiled and got all kinds of chocolate
yummies, a Starbucks gift card, Dutch Bros. bucks, a cute mug, and the best story, ever written by my dearest Pig. Oh, and we can't forget the football game. Anyway, the story...allow yourself to take a ganderSo yes, the story of Mike and Ike...
Once upon a time...there was a beautiful girl. This girl was so beautiful...because that's the way she was made :-) This girls name was...actually her name was Ike. One day Ike was walking along 5th Avenue when suddenly someone shouted, "Look!" Actually they said, "Look out!" Then Ike turned around and saw a giant rock coming right towards her! -GASP- It was at that very moment a Big Hunk (named Mike) tackled her to save her life. Then he said..."If you weren't such an Airhead and moved out of the way instead of staring at the giant rock rolling right towards you, this wouldn't have happened." Then he kissed her. So Mike and Ike got married and for their honeymoon went to a Symphony and then swam the Milky Way.
Yeah, the best story that's ever been written for me.
The day ended with Bocci ball and a LONG drive to the land of mean people and horrible drivers. It's always so depressing to leave, but this time seemed like the worst of all.
Anyway, I still have another party coming (woohoo for more surprises!)...I have some sort of shindig with my family sometime tomorrow so stay tuned for more birthday happenings :-)
This is before the party started...my Mom made tacos, one of my favorites. Notice the two bowls of salsa. One mild, and one super spicy for me :-) Man, I'm spoiled! It didn't take me long to inhale the deliciousness, and nag along everyone else so I could open my presents :-) The first thing I opened was a card from my parents...this was my reaction...
I don't know how well you guys can see it, but there is a picture of a super ugly dog and it says...When looking for a husband looks aren't everything! And the inside says, but they may help you overlook other faults like bad breath! Birthday wisdom from Mom and Dad Happy Birthday! LOL...isn't it just the greatest! hehe I bet you can't guess which parent made it on the computer...hehe, yes, my Dad. So, the next present I opened was a nice chunk of change (woohoo) and the next present garnered this reaction....
As the toddler I nanny for would say, "Wow!" hehe Anyway, as pictured below, my parents gave me a round trip flight to anywhere in the US I want to go!!! And the money they gave me is to be spending money for the trip!!! Isn't that the best present EVER!!! AHHHH! I'm so excited. So now I just have to decide where I want to go and when. I'm open to suggestions, so to any of my readers who have been somewhere spectacular, or have always dreamed of going somewhere and feel like living vicariously through me, feel free to leave a destination comment :-)
This is the amazingly wonderful blackberry pie my mother made. It was so perfect and beautiful looking, I had to take a picture. And then, after taking a bite, I realized that not only was it the prettiest pie ever, it was the yummiest too! Apparently her and Dad got up at the crack of dawn to go pick the blackberries to make it...I have the best parents!
So yes, this ends the spectacular saga of my 23rd birthday. Hard to believe it, but I'm 23 stinkin' years old. Anyway...don't forget to give me destination suggestions!
