27

Yesterday I celebrated my 27th birthday!

It was a lovely day - and I was lucky enough to be able to spend it with people who are very near and dear to me.

The day got off to a great start. Cindy took me to brunch at one of our favorite local joints, Gaia Cafe. It's a vegetarian place and we pretty much always order the same thing. I had the "Jim White." It's black beans, brown rice, eggs, tomato, lettuce, and avocado. Delicious!


Cindy got me a gift bag filled with some handmade goodies from Etsy. So sweet!


Thanks for brunch, Cindy!


After Cindy dropped me off I laid down for a quick nap. Hey! Don't judge me! It was my birthday and I was entitled to that nap! : )

Later in the afternoon, Heather picked me up and we headed to the Olive Garden for a late lunch. It's kind of a tradition of ours to lunch there with their delicious soup, salad and breadsticks.



Because it was a special occasion though, we had festive drinks as well! I had some sangria, while Heather enjoyed a margarita.



After a quick stop at JoAnn Fabrics (hey - we like to craft!) we headed back to my place, where I got to open Heather's gift. Thanks Travis for the candid shots of my looking like a big dork!




She got me some fabulous cupcake making supplies. Yeah cupcakes! We got to work right away making some birthday mini cupcakes. They are so cute!


Thanks Heather, for all the birthday goodness!


That evening, I got to spend some time with my husband. He came home with flowers for me. Aw...


His gift to me was a gift certificate to the spa at the fancy-schmancy new JW Marriott hotel downtown. He said he knew I'd been stressed and sad lately and thought I'd enjoy it. Will I ever?! I am excited! I could totally go for some pampering right about now!

Then we headed out to dinner at Roses, our all-around favorite restaruant in town. It's become a tradition to go there on my birthday every year.


While we waited for our table I snapped a few photos. The restaraunt is right on the lake.






Once inside and seated we enjoyed spinach and artichoke dip for a starter...


I had the margerita pizza for my entree, and Travis had a burger...



And of course we HAD to get creme brulee to split for dessert. DELICIOUS!


Thanks Trav, for the wonderful gift and birthday dinner!


All in all, it was an absolutely wonderful birthday. Thanks to Cindy, Heather and Travis for the great food and even better company. And thanks to all of you who sent cards, gifts, facebook messages, and phonecalls. I appreciate it more than you know, and feel very loved.

Have a wonderful weekend!