A Grand Day

So, I have had some pretty HORRIBLE birthdays in my life. Most of growing up were pretty good, but starting at 16, there was a string of really very terrible birthdays for me. My husband gives me a hard time because I bring this up every time my birthday comes around. He has to remind me that since he's come around, I've always had great birthdays. It's true. But that's just 4 years of good birthdays, with 7 bad ones behind it (my 21st and 22nd were in alaska and on my mission, respectively, and were both splendid) so it's going to take some time getting used to not being worried that my birthday is going to stink.

This year was different. Jason was not able to make my birthday all that he usually does because his class load and stress level are above and beyond what they ever have been. Just the thought of my birthday at this point in time made Jason feel terrible and just more stressed. But it all ended up being fine because my parents who have been trying to come for a visit, were able to come that very weekend! My parents are the greatest! They came and entertained the kids, had fun, cooked good food, and made it possible that Jason could study all day on my birthday and I still had a fantastic day! It worked out perfectly. Plus, I don't think I washed a single dish the whole time they were here - it was lovely!

In the morning we went to a pumpkin patch and we got some really cute pictures (I don't know why we didn't think to get more pictures of Grandma and Grandpa).

On the way home we had lunch at Dairy Queen (it's all about the Blizzard), then we went to Kohl's and I was able to go shopping without the kids and even found pants that made me feel good (that's a hooray! on any day) and then went home and watched a movie while the children napped. Yes, they napped. It was a beautiful thing. And Addie sang Happy Birthday to me about 100 times - it was very cute and she gave me a hug everytime she finished singing.
Then the next day was Sunday (Jason's day free from studying) so we continued the celebration with yummy ribs and chicken wings made by my talented father, and finished it off with a cake from Coldstone. I think the streak has ended; it was another great birthday.

Oh, and thanks to my husband and in-laws we have a camera again.