Turning 27

I feel like I've been turning 27 for the past couple of weeks but I officially turned it this past Saturday. I am officially in my late-twenties. And I love 27 already. Now I joked a ton about not wanting to turn older - I think it's instinct to do so. But I really love birthdays - others even more than mine but mine too! It's a celebration of life. I love thinking back over the past year and dreaming big for the upcoming year. I have lived another year and I am grateful for that. So here are some of the blessings from my amazing family and friends this 27th birthday...

A couple of weekends ago, Hogan took me to Ross Bridge and we had such a fun overnight trip (this was an early bday present). I would recommend a "stay-cation" at Ross Bridge to everyone. You won't regret it. This was my third. They don't disappoint.

My mom came in town the weekend before my birthday and we had a great mother-daughter shopping and lunch date - partly for my birthday but mostly just because we love each other and were craving time together. This pic is not from our date but I wanted to show everyone my beautiful mom.

At work on Friday, my sweet co-worker Shawn brought me Dove chocolate, sesame sticks from Whole Foods, and a birthday card. Hogan came up to my work and brought me some beautiful pink and yellow tulips and a new Pandora bracelet and soccer ball charm. AND all my co-workers (Shawn, Beth, and Stacey) took me out to lunch at Urban Standard - complete with a white on white cupcake! Yum!

Friday night, Hogan surprised me with a dinner for me and my girlfriends at Chuy's at The Summit. I absolutely love spending time with my friends and am so grateful for a husband that not only respects that but encourages it and sets it up for me!! My friends put a ton of work into it too (and blessed me not only with their time but with wonderful gifts) and I love them for how they love me so much.

Racel, Christy, Liz, Jen, Rona, and Me

Dreamcakes cupcakes courtsey of Liz!

My birthday balloons!

And then finally my birthday came on Saturday! Hogan and I went to breakfast at the Embassy Suites buffet and came back and crashed on the couch for the afternoon. This was a gift that I NEVER give myself - rest. So it felt pretty darn good to do that. We then got ready that night and went out to eat at the Tavern on the Summit - we love their food but my heart was set on the Brownie Ice Cream dessert there. As Hogan says, "It's the best brownie in town."

I even still get to continue celebrating this next weekend when my dad and stepmom come down from Madison to have lunch with us. Very excited to see them.

I got so many calls and texts and of course facebook posts from people telling me Happy Birthday and I loved them all and am so grateful for them all. A lot of people don't like people telling you Happy Birthday over facebook but I really don't mind. None of those people had to tell me anything yet they did. It was a fantastic birthday!

Thank you Lord for 27 years. And here's to another one!