Happy 36th Birthday to Me

This year I turned 36 years old.  It is funny because I don't feel much older.  According to Ava I'm not old yet, so that makes me feel good.  This year we celebrated 3 days in a row.  It was a long weekend, but a lot of fun.  I enjoyed spending time with my family and felt very loved.

On Friday we celebrated as a family with dinner at Round Table and then presents and cake at home.  Rich and Ava did a wonderful job making one of my favorite cakes.  I felt loved, appreciated, and a little spoiled with all the wonderful gifts I received.  First, Ava gave me a box of See's candy and told me I didn't have to share.  I also got a couple cookbooks, photo reflector/diffuser screens, flash, and Frye boots.

On Saturday we celebrated with my parents and brother.  We went out for an early dinner and then hung out at home.  We ate some more cake and ice cream too.

On Sunday we headed to Gridley to party with Rich's family.  I celebrated my birthday along with Nathan.  He turned 13 and is officially a teenager...crazy!  We enjoyed roast, spaghetti, and the traditional Bowling chocolate cake.  The cousins had a blast playing together.

Ava and I getting ready to open my presents.

Luca always likes to smell the presents looking for food.  He was pretty excited about this box because it was full of See's Candy.

One of the cookbooks I got was, "The Brown Betty Cookbook".  It is a cake cookbook with a lot of delicious recipes.  Ava was excited by the idea of helping me make some cakes.

Rich had Amazon gift wrap this gift for fun.  It was TOUGH to unwrap.

I was really excited to get this flash for my camera.  I look forward to playing with it and learning how all the functions work.

My new riding boots.  I LOVE BOOTS!

Ava helping Rich make my frosting.  She is making sure it taste OK.

Ava and Rich sang to me before I blew out my candles.  I don't think I made a wish, but I feel pretty blessed and couldn't ask for a better night.