My birthday

I look forward to my birthday each year...and this year didn't disappoint. I know birthdays aren't a big deal to a lot of people, but why wouldn't you want to celebrate a day where it's all about you...and cake?! As usual, I tried to spread out my birthday celebrations over more than just one day. On Friday (4th), Jeff took me out for my traditional birthday date. I love traditions (plus, there is no question as to what we're going to do on those days). I guess I just love finding something special to do and looking forward to celebrating that activity with someone special. This year, I celebrated with two someones special - Jeff and Jonas. It was definitely more fun having Jonas on the outside this year rather than the inside last year. He is such a joy to all of us...including the people at The Communal restaurant who enjoyed his babbling throughout lunch. As is tradition, Jeff gave me 37 roses (a rose for each year of life) and took me to The Communal for lunch.

Afterwards, we walked to the Provo Bakery where we picked up my traditional lemon cake that Jeff had ordered earlier that week. (Yes, the cake is HUGE! But I LOVE lemon cake...there won't be a crumb left.)

 

That evening, Jeff and the boys made my traditional birthday dinner - chicken, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. I have had this same dinner since I was a kid. Again, I love traditions! Finally, I received my gifts (new tupperware from the boys and reservations to the Grand America for a weekend getaway with Jeff from Jeff and several heartfelt cards), blew out the candles on my cake, and ended the evening in a lemony sugar coma! And this was just the day before my birthday!

My actual birthday was just as great as the day before. Since it was Saturday, the boys woke up and went about their normal chores. While they were working at home, I headed to the nail salon for a relaxing pedicure (another birthday tradition). Afterwards, we met up and went shopping for the afternoon. The boys were in need of new shorts (darn growth spurts!) and I found a cute new shirt. That evening, we all met up with my brother, Scott, his wife, Mel, and my niece, Kaia. (Kaia also invited a friend, Riley.) We had dinner at Se Llama Peru before going to the Provo City Center Temple open house (again for us, but the first time for Scott and his family). I loved being inside such a sacred place with such significance for me with Scott. Luckily, it wasn't as crowded this evening. In fact, we finished our tour and were discussing how we wished we had more time when an usher informed us we could go back through if we wanted to...so we did! The second time around we slowed down even more to enjoy the beauty and peace that surrounded us. It was such a great evening...topped off with a visit to a new eatery in downtown Provo, Fruta Crush. It's a little Mexican place that serves Mexican styled corn on the cob, shaved ice, flan, smoothies, and other sweet Mexican treats. It was the perfect way to end a perfect birthday weekend!

Kaia with her friend, Riley

Scott, Mel and Kaia

Hanging out at Fruta Crush