My Ideal Day

Okay, so if you have read any of my blog entries you know how much I adore my family - both mine and Keith's - so it should come as no shock how I wanted to be surrounded by them for my birthday!  As you can already tell, my family made my 30th birthday the best ever!  One of the most special parts of this birthday was that my mother flew into Indy to share my actual birthday with me.  I cannot even remember the last time I got this honor. 

It was also cool because Tia left Sunday and within half an hour I picked up Mom at the airport too - never before have I been at the airport to both drop and pick someone up.  I loved it!!  I'd have company in non-stop if I could.  ;)

Mom was here from Sunday until Wednesday, when we flew to NC to see Dad, Tara and her family.  While here, we enjoyed lunches out, shopping trips, lots of play-time with Samantha, and just mother-daughter bonding.  Keith, Samantha and Mom went out of their way to make me feel SO special on that day.  Plus, the  birthday wishes, sweet cards and gifts, and the love that poured in from family and friends just reminded me how blessed I am and just how many wonderful people I have in my life.  Thank you God!

 Birthday lunch at Olive Garden and a girls day out!

Dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse.  We were worried - we were the only ones there forever (surprisingly the woman seating us scolded us for being early -- I guess she was worried where to seat us.  ;) ).  Luckily, the food was pretty good and heck, we can entertain ourselves anywhere - even if it was mostly in giggles about the oriental waitress that kept cleaning our child or the other odd people in the restaurant.  Oh well - another adventure.  :)  As you can see, Samantha thoroughly enjoyed herself.

She eats like her mommy - just shovels that food right in!

Sported this killer set of heals and cute top from my dear friend Kris, who set me up with an amazing Mommy-wardrobe.  I think she is worried that I typical wear PJ pants and no-makeup...oh wait, I do do that.  Thanks, Kris for hooking me up!! Love ya! :)

Picking flowers (or as Keith sees it, spreading the weeds.  ;) )

Boot-scooting EVERYWHERE!  Man, they get quick fast!

She definitely wanted to lead - she would go up to everyone's garage door and say "knock, knock" ;)

I blame Nana for this hairstyle. ;)

Yes, sadly I asked for a new whisk for one of my birthday gifts from Keith - don't judge, this happens when you get 30!  

And yes, a new toaster -- don't judge Keith, this is what I wanted.  Okay, okay - enough with the snickering.  And this explains more why my dear, single friend Kris got me the "cool-Mom" heels and wardrobe -- I think it is obvious the frumpy path I am headed down. :)

First Date Night

My Mom came in the day before my birthday to spend my 30th with me and a few days here in Indy before we flew back to NC to celebrate with everyone.

As an extra-special treat, my mother watched Samantha for Keith and I's first - yes first- date night in 15 months!  We got to have a date to my favorite Italian restaurant here called Maggiano's and to a movie.  It was just wonderful to have an intimate dinner - I think that is the most we have really talked in well...15 months! ;)  It was so special.  Plus, I got to get all dollied up and doned my "fierce" 4 inch platforms (wobbly though, since I am not use to heels anymore).

A Birthday Visit From My Sis

I was SO blessed to have my sister, Tia, and my sweet neice, Reagan, fly down to spend the weekend prior to my 30th birthday with me.  It was so special to celebrate with them!  Thank you so much for making my 30th so special and for all the great memories made!

We enjoyed girls-outings with shopping trips, days swinging at the park, delicious meals and lots of great talks and laughter.  Plus, know girl-time with my sister is even more memorable, because we swap stories, advice and just lend an ear to the joys (and challenges) of motherhood.  What would I do without my sisters?!

Thank you Tia and Reagan for coming, you made my 30th birthday SO INCREDIBLY SPECIAL.  I LOVE YOU!!!

Day Out at the Movies

The other day we went to see a free viewing of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" at our church, Northview, with Maria and her kids Merrel and Max.  We had a great time!

Samantha is a hoot in the theaters, because she loves the movies!  She has only been to a few, but she will sit through almost the whole movie.  My trick - an idea created by my mother - is to put her portable high chair in the seat, snacks and a sippy cup in front of her.  It is truly hysterical watching her get into the movie - she will often giggle, repeat parts and even laugh.  Too cute!

Granted we did spend some of the movie doing walking laps in the back, now that she is an expert walking and is a baby on the move! :)

Here are some pics of her settled in...

Best Easter Ever

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday!  We got all dressed up for a great service at church, then came back to see what the Easter bunny had left, went to The Mansion for a delicious buffet, and ended our day with an Easter Egg Hunt, a walk, and playtime.  Samantha seriously took a total of 30 min. of naps all day long - I think she was just so excited! 

Samantha loved all of her Easter gifts!  Thank you Nana & Papa Silverthorne and Grandma & Papaw Newbrough!   

She was also so cute on the easter egg hunt we set up for her in our backyard.  Sadie even joined to help Samantha, esp. once she broke open one egg to find teddy grahams inside.  :) 

We just could not have dreamed up a better Easter.  While we missed family, it was wonderful to have a holiday at our home, to begin some new traditions.  We have decided to make Easter our family holiday, where we celebrate it at our house and set all those important traditions into motion for years to come. 

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