Friday Fun: Celebrating My Birthday!

 

                It’s been just over a week since my birthday, and I haven’t had a chance to properly tell you all about the fun celebration! Would you like to see?

                Well, poor Ryan had to end up spoiling the surprise of the birthday gift he planned for me. He chose to get me this beautiful spinning bookcase that I’ve had on my wish list for a few years now. It had arrived and was hidden away –  but when we started working on the office overhaul, he felt like I might need to know I was getting it so I could factor it into the furniture placement. I felt so awful that it had to ruin his surprise, but I was SO HAPPY to have it! And I love how it looks in the office.

                On my actual birthday, I found beautiful flowers, a card, and a breakfast treat waiting on the island when I got up. Ryan had gone to White Cottage for some birthday treats. One of them was this little coffeecake for my breakfast! And the flowers were just stunning. I have carried them all over the house ever since (still going!) to enjoy them from room to room, depending on where I land.

                Last year my birthday fell on moving day for our church, so I worked something like a 14 hour day, hauling boxes and furniture. This year I elected to work from home and wrote all day long. I’m writing Sunday School curriculum, and this was the greatest joy and gift for a working birthday, let me tell you.

                I took a break at lunchtime to go to Swiss Village to have lunch with Ryan in his new office. He found salads for us in the café, and we ate part of them (saved the rest for leftovers), and then I opened my cards and gifts from my family! Ryan had also surprised me with my favorite White Cottage dessert: eclairs. They are SO GOOD.

                Before I left Swiss Village, I went to see Mom and Dad. They were eating lunch, so I spent some time with them in the dining room. Mom sang to me and I was able to get my picture with both of them.

                Then it was back to work time! (I have the cutest little coworker.)

                When Ryan came home from work, it was time to go to my special birthday dinner. I did not know what it was going to be – only that I should dress “smart casual” and be ready to leave at 4:45.

                Check!

                I never dreamed he would make reservations at Joseph Decuis. It’s a far fancier restaurant than we ever eat at, but what a treat it was!

                The coffee flowed all night.

                We also never get appetizers, but he said we should, so we split a hummus board. Best hummus I’ve ever eaten.

                I chose the kale salad and seafood gumbo, and Ryan opted for coq a vin.

                It was the best dinner. Our servers were so kind, and we had ample time to talk, laugh, and completely enjoy ourselves.

                Because it was my birthday, I got a free dessert, but there was no way I had room for it, so they brought it out for the candle/photo opportunity, and then they boxed it up for me to enjoy another day.

                It was such a nice night that after dinner, we took a walk around downtown Roanoke, which is just cute as a little button.

                Made it home just in time for the last of the sunset. A perfectly sweet birthday. Thank you, Ryan, for making it wonderful at every turn!