26 Years Young

I didn't even see my birthday coming this year! The craziness of wedding planning and house-buying made this whole year a bit of a blur. So I was shocked at the thought and effort that others put into celebrating my birthday for me :) 

Other then the fact that I had to work (which I still hope never to do again on a birthday!), it was a fantastic birthday. My man started it off right by setting the timer on the coffee maker so I'd have fresh coffee in the morning. When I got home he was already busy preparing a wonderful home-cooked meal for me! And there was a huge box on the table :) 

What did he get me you ask?? A new DSLR camera!!!! It's amazing. I was shocked. We had talked about buying one together at Christmas one year or something. But he said he wanted me to have it when my family was here, and for our honeymoon, and for all the other exciting things coming up. It was an amazing gift. I won't have much time to use it until after the wedding, but I'm sure I'll start learning soon enough :) 

  My camera

 My delicious meal: bacon wrapped steaks (marinated over night!), scallops, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, wine, and treatza pizza for dessert!

Also... the candle sticks and candles were another special gift for our candle-lit dinner :) 

 On a birthday walk with the puppies, my cowgirl boots, and the fall leaves.

Then, the next day I had a package in the mail from my parents! It included a card that was actually written in by my dad! I've only seen him write about 2 cards in his whole life, so this is kind of a big deal to me! It also included this lovely bracelet (below) which I love! And I've already worn out and about. It's from both of my parents, but I know dad was the driving force behind this purchase: a special gift for his only girl's last birthday as a single woman. 

Thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special! And for remembering my birthday even when I forgot, lol. I'm thinking 26 is gonna be a good year :)