Birthday Weekend

This year I celebrated my birthday a few different times. The party started on Saturday when Rich's parents were in town. They took us to Il Forno Classico and I got portabello mushroom raviolis. Going to this restaurant was a big deal, not just because it is my favorite, but because Bruce doesn't like pasta. Since it was my birthday they let me pick and we also knew there was a good steak and some seafood on the menu. I'm happy to report Bruce enjoyed his meal and I of course loved it!! They also gave me 2 cupcake recipe books which I'm excited to use and some money which I'm deciding on how to spend.

On Sunday I celebrated with Rich and Ava. Rich made me one of my favorite meals, hamburgers (homemade on the BBQ). He then gave me some of my birthday gifts so I could use them on my actual birthday. Rich got me a new camera lens (55-250mm zoom with image stabilizer) and a camera/laptop backpack. He told me about these gifts a month ago, so I could pick out the lens I wanted...what an awesome guy!!

They way Rich was able to get them was pretty awesome too. He knew we couldn't afford to buy me a new camera lens, so he came up with a solution. Back in March he started doing medical surveys that paid him in Amazon gift cards. I don't know exactly how many he did, but he had enough to completely pay for the lens and camera bag...by the way did I mention how awesome Rich is? I wasn't surprised the day he gave it to me, but I was surprised and excited the day he told me about it. To know he put that much thought and effort into getting me something I really wanted but didn't think I would ever get made me feel special and so loved...Thanks Rich...I love you!

After getting my new gifts ready, Ava and I headed down to my parents that night. I planned to spend Sunday night and part of Monday with my family. When we got there my mom was frosting my birthday cake and my mouth started to water. Every year I ask my mom to make me a checkerboard cake because it is my favorite and she makes the best cakes. While we waited for dessert Ava played with Papa Harry. When my mom was done we all enjoyed cake with milk. Of course Ava loved it and everybody ended up sharing some with her. Before bed my parents gave me my gift in an unique way. They put a check on top of a Buzz Lightyear car and rolled it to me. We thought Ava would love it, but the car actually scared her. I think it was because it made a lot of noise and drove by itself. I personally thought it was pretty cool. My parents gift is to help me buy the Cuisinart food processor I've been saving for. I have been saving Amazon rewards and with their gift I now have enough to get it. I'm pretty excited about this because it is something I've wanted for a long time and thought might never get.

On Monday Ava, my mom, and I went to the Oakland Zoo for my birthday. I thought it would be a nice way to spend my 33rd birthday and not be stuck in the house. It was a great day and I enjoyed Ava's excitement as we walked around the different exhibits. I was also pleased that Ava loved the turtles in the reptile house. It is hard to say what Ava enjoyed the most, but I can say the big disappointment of the day was not seeing the Lions. Ava kept roaring like a Lion, but both times we walked by the exhibit they were nowhere to be found. I enjoyed the tortoises and bats, but most of all watching Ava's reactions. After a long day at the zoo Ava fell asleep, so we headed back to my parents.

After Ava's nap we met my brother for dinner. We decided to have an early dinner, but that turned out to cause trouble. I decided to have Cattleman's, but when we got there it was closed. Instead of waiting for 20 minutes we decided to try a place in town. We walked into the small steakhouse and waited for a few minutes before someone told us the restaurant part was closed on Mondays. At this point I was hungry, tired, and a little grumpy. I didn't know where to go next and was about to just settle for Taco Bell when my mom suggested one more place down the road. We walked down the street and ended up eating in a BBQ joint. It definitely isn't the kind of place I would eat all the time, but I enjoyed my tri-tip sandwich and onion rings. I also enjoyed sampling my mom's garlic fries. After we ate we packed up and headed home to Rich.

We got back to Rancho just in time for Ava to have a bath and get ready for bed. The first thing I noticed was the delicious brownies with chocolate chips Rich made for me. Then I noticed another surprise birthday gift. Rich saved this gift for me, so I would have something to open on my birthday. He gave me a French rolling pin. I have been looking for one, but had a hard time finding it. Rich also had a hard time finding one and almost gave up on the idea. He was at Bed, Bath, & Beyond about to buy me something else when a worker asked him if he needed help. Rich said, "No, because you don't have French rolling pins," and the worker replied, "Yes we do." Rich was surprised because we just looked there a week prior and they didn't have any. I was surprised too and excited to have this new kitchen tool. I have already put it to good use making apricot scones.

After the long birthday weekend I was tired, but more importantly happy. I had a wonderful few days. I appreciate all the love I was shown from family and friends. Thanks for making me feel special.