Surprise!

The Big 3-0!

Birthday hike to the Sequoias--this is how my birthday morning started

At El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Falls

Can you see my shirtless husband?

This is how I was feeling about my cold hike on my 30th. Ha! Little did I know.

"It's SNOWING on my birthday!"

Surprise Party with Megs...

My girlies...Dett, Nat, and Dana my birthday twin! My amazing book.

Ruppy babysat Jackson Thursday--Sunday and threw a surprise party. I am amazed with her and Kristina still!

My biggest surprise...my seester!

Happy Easter!

I really don't know how I got so lucky. I feel so loved and can't even put into words how truly grateful I am to all who made my 30th birthday the most wonderful birthday I have ever had.

Last week Justin revealed his surprise getaway to me...Yosemite! Although I was excited to get away with my husband for some much needed alone time it didn't quite feel like 30. I think there are so many expectations put upon a big birthday like this one and mountains, trees, snow, and hiking didn't excite me as much as it should have.

Yosemite was fun. We drank wine together, laughed at crazy mountain people, hiked to see the sequoia trees, and it even snowed on my 30th. Justin is truly my other half and just laughing and looking out at the big snowflakes falling outside as we sat by the fireplace at the bed and breakfast that Christy and Brad planned for us was my favorite part.

As we traveled home I just wanted to take a shower and wash off the road trip as we pulled into the driveway. As Justin jiggled the keys in the door it opened and SURPRISE!!! there were all my friends and family members screaming and making noise. The house was totally decorated with balloons, posters, treats, centerpieces with pictures, and tables and chairs set up for guests in the backyard. Mende was waiting just to do my hair and make me feel pretty as I quickly washed off the road trip. Detty and Christy pulled it off and threw me a complete surprise party--I had secretly hoped for this--but stopped believing that anything like this would happen to me. I had kids from my class, teacher friends, HB friends, college besties, and most exciting my sister was waiting in the backyard with her boyfriend A.K. I couldn't stop shaking--which is probably why I started indulging in champagne instantly. Totally paid for it the next day! It was a great night and went by so quickly. I want a do-over! I am so thankful for everyone that came and everyone else who sent their love in my birthday book and through text, emails, and on Facebook. I felt so special.

Easter day I spent totally paying for the night before but had a great day festering with my sister, Justin, AK, and Jackson. Of course about an hour after I put Jackson in his fancy Easter outfit he had the biggest blowout I've ever seen so far. We were dying laughing! We also felt our first long earthquake, each of us secretly thinking in our heads--Man! This is a bad hangover. I feel dizzy. Tonight Justin's family took me out to yummy Open Sesame for Lebanese food--so good. I am officially spoiled and probably 10 lbs. heavier. What a great start to my 30s.