Memorial Day Weekend

This past weekend was nothing short of wonderful. I'm a big fan of birthdays, and I've never been to type to get bummed out at the start of another year. I actually really enjoy getting older, weird, I know. I don't know if I'll always feel that way, but for now I just really feel like life only gets better with every year that goes by. I always wonder what great things the next year will hold. So, as I turned 29 this weekend I was more than happy to usher in the last year of my twenties.

Hank, Henry, Madeline and I spent the weekend down in Mesa at my parents', and had the best time. Friday evening my best friends surprised me with a little dinner party and I drifted off to sleep that night with a full belly and a happy heart. Saturday morning my Mom and I had a great workout, then came home and we all went out to Chandler Fashion Center to shop. I ended up meeting the most adorable reader (hi Sarah!) and she totally made my day. While there Hank also got part one of his birthday present from me, an iPad!  He was so happy and surprised, and it was great to walk into the Apple store and let him know he could go ahead and pick one out. For months I'd been discouraging him from buying one, so he really had no idea. He was beyond happy and jumped around like a little kid. So awesome. Afterward we all went to Green for lunch. The rest of the day was spent relaxing until we headed out to North Scottsdale for Nate's 30th birthday bash at Greasewood Flats. We listened to country music, played horseshoes, and had such a great, low-key night.

Sunday was my actual birthday and it was kind of a dream day for me. To summarize without going into too much detail, it included sleeping in, working out, eating ice cream cake, a trip to Target, swimming and taking lots of photos at the park! My sister also gave us an amazing gift...tickets to see Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj with her. Believe it or not Hank really and truly loves pop music and especially Britney. Yup. So feel free to make fun of him when you see him!

I just feel so thankful for the past few days.  I have a feeling this year is going to be amazing, and I'm excited to see what it has in store for me. This past year has been filled with a lot of personal growth...and is it weird to say that I'm proud of myself? 'Cause I am. I hope I'm just as proud of my 29-year old self at the end of this year.

Here are some photos from the weekend:

Birthday dinner!

Last night some of my best friends all got together to celebrate my (early) birthday! It was SUCH a nice surprise, and it was so great to be in such great company and enjoy such delicious food. I didn't even know about the dinner until the evening of, so it was really neat to have the entire thing planned without knowing anything. I love my friends. We had dinner at Pita Jungle and then had some of the most delicious red velvet cupcakes baked by my darling Sarah! They were seriously to die for. I blew out a candle, made a wish, and got even more excited about my "golden birthday" year!  I know it's going to be a good one. Tomorrow is my real birthday (the 29th) and I'll be celebrating with my family!  We're having a meat/vegan bbq and both Hank and I will be blowing out candles!  As for now, Hank and I are off to celebrate Nate's 30th birthday, Western style!  Have a great Saturday.

Here are some photos from dinner:

Saturday in photographs

Today was a great day, and a special one, because little Carter turned one! I can't even believe that the he is already a year old- it seems like only yesterday I was meeting him in the hospital for the first time on his actual day of birth! It only makes me realize how quickly Henry will be one and that makes me a little excited but also quite sad. At the same time though, it's a great reminder to cherish every day and every stage, right? I think so. But any and all sadness aside, today was awesome! Autumn had a jungle themed party, complete with animal hats for the kids and a bounce house! Everyone had a blast.

After the party Hank surprised me by driving down to Phoenix after doing a cert. class, and my parents watched the little guy while we went on a date. It was SO much fun and so nice to have some "us" time. We went to Green for dinner and then got frozen yogurt. Delicious!

Here are some photos from today:

getting ready while my mama watched Henry

If someone would have shown Autumn, Erin or I this photo back in our sorority/college days...we would have been in shock. It's amazing to think we all used to be at NAU together, and now we're all mommies to these beautiful little darlings.

Henry and Kyler, best friends!  Kyler is 6 months old- they're just almost exactly 3 months apart.

Libby and Henry...this is Autumn's wonderful Mom and someone who is like a second mama to me. She's seen everything in my life, from me meeting Hank, to being at our wedding, being there through the pregnancy, and now here she is, holding Henry. So awesome.

Autumn and her birthday boy!

Happy birthday Carter!

at dinner- my handsome date :)

annnd me and my big baby! How I love him so. Not the best photo but I always want to remember his size, so in a few months I can compare. He's sleeping in his little co-sleeper next to me and I love hearing all of his baby sleeping noises. I'm about to join him.

Night all! xo