Happy birthday to me!

Here is a top ten list (in no particular order) of great things about my birthday weekend this year:

1. Visiting former co-workers on Friday. I took this picture just before we went to Smoky Row. Love this!

2. Boys playing outside in our pool for the first time this year. Gotta love the beginning of pool season--outdoor living=cleaner house?

3. My sister Megan, her husband Tim, their baby Barrett, and their dog Payton (or is it Peyton--I never remember!) came to visit. We hadn't seen Barrett, who is 5 months, since he was born. He's definitely changed and is such a cute, smiley little guy. It's too bad they live in Chicago. I love it when my kids get together with their cousins!

4. Tummy time pictures. The babies didn't quite cooperate. They were supposed to look at each other, while on their tummies, and smile. I guess they didn't get the memo!

5. Pictures with my sister and our kiddos. The children, of course, act their age and don't look at the camera, but they are IN the pictures so I guess that counts, right?

6. Getting a family picture taken. Ryan and I look good so we just kind of figure you get what you get when it comes to the kiddos.

7. So Delicious dairy-free, soy-free cookies and cream ice cream instead of cake for my birthday. I did eat just the tiniest bit of cake. (I just cannot resist buttercream icing and white cake--yum!) This ice cream, though, is so yummy that I didn't even miss regular ice cream. It really is "so delicious."

8. The weather was beautiful on Sunday so after Megan and Tim left, we went to the park. It was our first park excursion as a family this year, and all of us had a lovely time. Here is a Jack quote: "Today I discovered the tire swing. It was fun...and a little scary." So true!

9. Spicy flank steak, grilled asparagus with Northwoods Seasoning from Penzey's Spices, and rice for dinner on Saturday night with Megan and Tim. I think we will be grilling asparagus this way a lot in the future--such a tasty meal!







10. A beautiful bouquet of flowers and a baking stone given to me by my wonderful husband. He also grilled the food and let me sleep in on Sunday. I'm truly blessed!

11. And one more, just for fun. Here is a video of Caroline laughing for me. My baby's laughter makes my heart smile!