26 Candles

Thanks to Scott, I had a wonderful 3-day-long birthday celebration!

To be honest, the fact that Scott wasn't in Africa as we'd expected, that we were all no longer sick and the horrible allergic reaction covering my face was nearly gone would probably have been enough. But it still got even better!

We got a babysitter Friday night so that we could see the premier of Babies followed by a nice adult dinner. We got to the theater and the showtimes had changed, leaving us either an hour til the show started (not enough time for dinner) or 3 hours til the next showtime, which was too much time for dinner. Fortunately, IronMan 2 started in a few minutes so we opted for a Double feature -- we saw IronMan, then ran over to Potbelly's and grabbed some yummy and quick food and then dashed back for a late showing of Babies. It was perfect! It was a late night, but it was fun to feel spontaneous and see two debuting movies the same night!

Saturday was my actual birthday and Scott made it a memorable and special Day 2 of Birthday fun! Scott and the boys did some secret shopping that morning which left me with lots of time to myself. It may seem strange but the thing I really wanted to do was to work in the garden. I dug around out there til my wrists were sore and finished planting all my flowers, without once thinking about what the boys were getting into or running out of naptime before I finished. It was a great present to have all that time to do what I wanted. And then I felt tired, so I took a nap. See? This was a great day!

Before it was time for presents, Scott cooked up some steaks for dinner -- exactly what I wanted. Then Ian ran my presents to me one by one. I really enjoyed the delivery system -- my gleeful little delivery boy was a present in himself. Especially when he said "Happy Birthday pretty mommy!"

At the moment this picture was taken, I was still confused about this present. That's because I don't have the advantage you do in seeing that paper taped to the underside of the box. The paper explained an upcoming trip to see Wicked! How did Scott know that I had been meaning to mention to him all week that the show was coming to town and hint, hint, I really wanted to see it. Scott's a mind-reader.

We want our new hobby to be bike riding, and this cool helmet will let me enjoy it safely. Helmets have gotten so much cooler than they were when I last owned one 15 years ago. Ian was fascinated by the buckles and Joseph was jealous of my 'hat'.

We followed presents with my very favorite cake, the gigantic Chocolate Fudge Fantasy. It was amazing. Especially with the green frosting cat that Ian suggested Scott add. I like cats, so it was a nice touch.

 Lately Joseph likes to put food on his head and then claim he's wearing a hat. I prefer to eat the cake -- it was entirely gone after breakfast on Monday. Now that is a good chocolate cake.

 Thanks for helping make my birthday special with phone calls and emails and giant gourmet cupcakes and incredible cheesecakes topped with fruit (Doris). Besides when a friend informed me that I am now closer to 30 than I am 20, it was a very happy birthday. 

 But Scott wasn't off the hook yet -- Mother's Day was the next day so he also spent Sunday chasing kids while I relaxed and napped. Then he cooked more steak and homemade my personal favorite -- steak frites! I love fries more than almost any other food, and these were a supreme version; the best I have ever had. Did you know soaking them in water for 15 minutes before baking makes them perfect? Scott did. Of course we also ate more of the enormous cake. Delicious. 

Thanks for a perfect Birthday & Mother's Day weekend, Scott! You know how to do it right!