…..and that’s the rest of the story.

As I lay me down to sleep

My perfect day was hard to beat

30 years to celebrate

Loved by family, enjoyed my cake!

 

Honestly – as I closed my eyes on Friday night, grateful for my last 30 years – I couldn’t have picture anything more.  I wouldn’t have planned my day any different!

Saturday was proof that Nate knows me better than I know myself. He pulled off a grand scheme to surprise me with a few very important people making the trek to Chicago to let me know how much I mean to them.  My heart still jumps a little and my eyes still well up a bit just thinking about it!

• Should I have read into Nate’s increased texting volume? Maybe, but I didn’t.
• Should I have read into his day off and the cleaning? Maybe, but I didn’t.
• Should I have read into the ridiculous number of cupcakes he baked?  Probably, but I didn’t.
• Should I have read into his request to dress nice and straighten my hair? Maybe, BUT I didn’t listen – at all!
• Should I have assumed he was up to something when he left early to “wash the car?” Maybe, but again, I didn’t.

Most would say that I’m gullible – I just say that I trust Nate. I assume his intentions are pure and honest. I assume that he just knows me best and knows how to love me. Many of those behaviors listed above are TYPICAL for a weekend – like asking me to put a little effort into my hair or washing the car.  Nate loves a clean house as much as  I do and knows how happy I get when he helps out!!  BUT, making a lot of cupcakes – for a guy who hates excess - that should have been a clue.

So..Saturday morning, Nate tidied up a bit and took off to wash the car and grab a few groceries for lunch. He asked if burgers would be OK and I listed off the few condiments we were low on. I enjoyed another mug of coffee while I worked my birthday blog post. Against Nate’s wishes, I mopped the floor before I jumped in the shower. I thought it needed to be done.  About 5 minutes after I put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt,  Nate returned and pushed me to do my hair right away instead of after Miles was put down for a nap. He said that he would take care of lunch. Fine… While blow drying my locks, there was a knock on the door. Nate asked me to get it.

I opened the door with my freshly blown ‘fro to find my parents, my 2 sisters and a new fiancé, and my high school best friend (also with fiancé in tow) fresh off an airplane from DC.

WHAT?! <tears> duh, you know they were there?!?!

We chitted, we chatted – we munched on Jimmy Johns! They love me!

I skyped with my brother, his wife, and their 3 week old daughter…. And then there’s another knock on the door?!

My college best friend, his wife and their 4year old twin daughters arrived from Ames, IA. <tears>

The surprises didn’t end there.  Friends from Chicago even joined in the fun! AHH - too many emotions!

The apartment was PACKED, but we enjoyed brats and burgers, fruit, cupcakes, and great company!

Each of these people have had made an impression on me during my “youth,” and I loved being surrounded by them, celebrating my GOLDEN birthday! I’m honored that these people spent time and money to travel to Chicago, gave up their weekends to hang out with me, and celebrated my launch into my thirties!

Sorry… this is turning into a me, me, me post.  My intention was a story plus THANK YOU post.

Very few pictures were taken – I was busy taking in the moments instead of photo documenting. What a day! I wish I would have gotten more people shots instead of group shots, but here are a few random shots anyway.  I’m still kicking myself…..

   

 

Nathan! I adore you for loving me well and finding time in your busy schedule to gather a few special people I haven’t seen in a long time to create lasting memories! Thank you for going out of your way to take care of all of the prep that I would have normally obsessed about so that I could truly enjoy myself!  You are strong man and I’m lucky blessed to have you for myself!   Don’t worry… I will get you back!

Thanks again and I LOVE you all !!!

Posted in: Banwarth's,birthday,Kelly,Keri,Miles,Nathan