'Twas a Happy Birthday

This year marked the beginning of my 28th year. To celebrate, a Pre-Birthday, Birthday dinner, and Post-Birthday dinner were enjoyed with friends and family.

Monday night, Joseanne and Stef prepared a delicious taco salad dinner to share with Conz and Brandon, Brock and I. Then after home evening at my bishop's home, we all reconvened with Andrew, Rach and Kai at their home for cupcakes and wassail. Conz made themed cupcakes that wowed us all (pics coming from Brock's camera). There were ferocious sharks, squishy octopi, lifeguard rings and more. I have such thoughtful and kind friends and family.

Wednesday, the actual birthday, Brock prepared a delicious shrimp "Ratatouille" (that's what I like to call it) and gourmet green beans for dinner. Dinner was then followed by divine homemade lime custard made with fresh squeezed limes. He then surprised me with a trip to the ice skating rink. I love to ice skate in the winter, and it was even more fun with Brock. The night was not over after ice skating... Dad had come in town earlier in the day, so we got to drive up to the Skeen home where we visited with Dad, Andrew and Rach for a bit before it got too late. It was a very good birthday. I am a very lucky girl.

Thursday, post-birthday, Dad took us all (the Skeens, Brock and I) out to dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill. Dad and I both enjoyed a ginormous plate of lobster linguine. Everyone's dishes were delish. Then we went for ice cream at Cold Stone and let Kai run around the mall for a bit. It was really nice to get to have dad here to celebrate this year- it's been some time since he's been in the same state on my birthday!

In all, it was a GRAND start to my 28th year. I am most grateful for good parents who gave me life and provided a loving home to grow in, super siblings who are examples and so fun to have as forever friends, many dear friends of past and present who so thoughtfully remembered me with a phone call or digital message, and an incredible boyfriend who continues to bring even more joy into my life. It's great to be 28!