This past Monday was my 32nd birthday, so happy birthday to me! I have tried to take my birthday weekend off from work the last few years, but unfortunately, that couldn't happen this year. I was able to sleep in a bit, but then I had to head in to work for awhile. When I came home, Lily came running up and said "Guess what I bought for a surprise for you today? A surprise party!" She cracks me up! I had a feeling that she and Mia had gone shopping with Bama that morning to pick up a little birthday something for me, but I also knew no one would dare tell Lily a secret like a true surprise party! Secrets aren't exactly her strong point right now. Anyway, Ryan and I got ready for our dinner date out to celebrate. See our picture below:
I also wanted a picture with my sweet girls. I love them so much!
Ryan and I met our friends, Brian and Jill, at my very favorite restaurant, La Grotta in Buckhead. It is always amazing, and it didn't disappoint this time. Neither Ryan or I need to bother with a menu when we go; we will never stray from "our usual" here. For me, I start with their house mixed greens salad, followed by a filet with a mustard and gorgonzola sauce, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables; a nice glass of wine accompanies the entree. Ryan has a prosciutto appetizer with the same filet entree. We then both order the tartufo dessert. Tartufo is basically ice cream dipped in chocolate which I know does not sound special at all, but oh my goodness, it is one of the best food items ever. I absolutely refuse to share this dish with anyone, so Ryan knows if he wants a bite, he better order his own. This is consistently the most fantastic meal which is why we like to go for special occasions. Three particular occasions stand out to me. In time dated order, first my dad took me there a few days before Ryan and I got married which was so special. Second, Ryan and I celebrated there when I passed the CPA exam; what an amazing feeling! Third, he and I went after we learned that I was expecting our sweet Lily. So, it's a special place to us, and to be there with great friends for my birthday made it even more wonderful.
Ryan and I met our friends, Brian and Jill, at my very favorite restaurant, La Grotta in Buckhead. It is always amazing, and it didn't disappoint this time. Neither Ryan or I need to bother with a menu when we go; we will never stray from "our usual" here. For me, I start with their house mixed greens salad, followed by a filet with a mustard and gorgonzola sauce, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables; a nice glass of wine accompanies the entree. Ryan has a prosciutto appetizer with the same filet entree. We then both order the tartufo dessert. Tartufo is basically ice cream dipped in chocolate which I know does not sound special at all, but oh my goodness, it is one of the best food items ever. I absolutely refuse to share this dish with anyone, so Ryan knows if he wants a bite, he better order his own. This is consistently the most fantastic meal which is why we like to go for special occasions. Three particular occasions stand out to me. In time dated order, first my dad took me there a few days before Ryan and I got married which was so special. Second, Ryan and I celebrated there when I passed the CPA exam; what an amazing feeling! Third, he and I went after we learned that I was expecting our sweet Lily. So, it's a special place to us, and to be there with great friends for my birthday made it even more wonderful.
Obviously I had to work on Monday since we're in the heart of tax season right now, but I intentionally blocked off some extra time to make it a little bit of an easier day. My mom came at lunch, and brought food from the Chinese restaurant that we love. I don't have much one-on-one time with her these days, so it was a great treat to hang out with her. I have an amazing mom!
I left work just after 5 (what a treat right now!), and when I got home, what should greet me but a "surprise party" that Ryan and the girls had set up for me. Lily and Mia were so excited, and it was so fun to see their excitement! Bama had taken them shopping on Saturday and they bought decorations, paper products and party horns, and Ryan had helped them decorate earlier in the day. My mom had babysat them that afternoon, so the three of them made a big cookie cake for me. They had put in candles that spelled Happy Birthday, and then written Mommie on the cake; typically you would write Mommy, but they wanted the letters to be even so they went with Mommie instead. Lily found this hilarious! They wanted to dig into the cake, but I told them we had to eat some dinner first (though I would have loved to dig in too!). Liz came in right about then, so we all went to Zucca's and enjoyed a delicious dinner. When we came home, everyone sang happy birthday and then we enjoyed the fabulous cookie cake. What a great way to celebrate!
Just as we finished up the cake, we had a delivery man come by and bring me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers sent by David and Jan. I had to have a picture made with the flowers because they were so beautiful. Here we are a week later, and they are still looking great on our kitchen counter, so we get to enjoy them everyday.
Just as we finished up the cake, we had a delivery man come by and bring me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers sent by David and Jan. I had to have a picture made with the flowers because they were so beautiful. Here we are a week later, and they are still looking great on our kitchen counter, so we get to enjoy them everyday.
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