Thirty

Friday, Dec 5, was my thirtieth birthday! In a way, I've felt 30 for a long time, so I say--bring it on!

I was grateful for the gift of sunshine all week. And for darling children who were as excited for my birthday as they are for theirs. {The chocolate cake with homemade ganache at Macaroni Grill might've had something to do with it.} I had a fabulous date with my four loves at the Grill, a tradition that started in '99 when Chris & I were engaged. I usually go with one of my favorites but branched out to the mushroom ravioli this year--yum! {Thanks Anna-Marie for the suggestion.}

Later my one true love swept me away for a date of Christmas lights in the big cit-ay. I could choose among three exciting new movies . . . and I chose to see Twilight. Again. I sort of loved it. {Yes, do judge. I'm ready for it.}

It was a perfect birthday, complete with my favorite confections. And yet another gift of birthday bon bons--lovely macadamia nut chocolates to remind me of good things to come in the spring . . . .

{I ask you, can a girl have too much chocolate?}

So, thanks for all the birthday wishes! It was the perfect beginning to a new decade in this blessed life!

September at Last

Our Anna-girl is five! Per her request: Birthday date with best friend Cadence at Paint Away. Painted the coveted unicorn. Ice cream cones after. Cheese pizza & fruit dinner. Fudgy chocolate cake & festivities with Talbots. Ocean-themed cake to go with new favorite movie--Nim's Island. Long-awaited present: A jumprope! (She told me it didn't work; I told her you have to learn how to use it.)