Weekend Recap

I'm a couple of days late with this one, but the weekend was so FULL that I hardly had time to do anything... It was a BIG weekend! Hang on tight, here we go...

Friday:
I took off of work so that I could work my JLW shift at the Deck the Halls market. I worked from 11-2 at a pretty empty shift spot, so I got to enjoy some peace and quiet--a rare change for me! After my shift, I went to get Cara early, and we went to the ENT to check on her. After playing in the waiting room and making friends with everyone, we saw the doctor, and he recommended tubes for Cara. I was bummed but not surprised. She holds fluid in her ear constantly, so it just keeps getting reinfected. Poor girl. It's scheduled for the Monday before Thanksgiving. At least I don't have to take vacation for it!

When we got home, Mom arrived for the birthday celebration! I fixed dinner, we chatted and went to bed early. We had lots of excitement planned the next day.

Saturday:
I bought us tickets to go to the Breakfast with Santa event at the Deck the Halls market, so we dressed Cara up in her Christmas jammies and went. We took pictures at the gingerbread house, ate a yummy breakfast, saw Santa and Mrs. Claus read The Polar Express and did a craft project. Cara had fun, but I can envision so much more excitement in the coming years when she really understands Christmas and Santa. Speaking of the Big Man in Red, Cara was NOT a fan. He went around to each table to take pictures, and the closer he got, the clingier she got. When he came to us, I shook his hand and stood between them, but she just SCREAMED. I guess we're at that age. Taking pictures with Santa at the mall should yield some classic results, eh?

We did a little shopping at the market when we were done, then hopped in the car to run some errands. Cara CRASHED in the backseat, even though it was almost 2 hours before her naptime. Oh well! She got a nice hour nap in her carseat, and then she was awake for our afternoon festivities.

Mom invited several friends over to our house for cake and cookies and fun. It's been a long time since she threw me a birthday party, and this was really fun! We just chatted, ate birthday cake, opened presents and watched the kids play. She got delicious Crumpler cookies, which were a big hit! It was so enjoyable to sit around and spend quality time with some of my great friends and feel special on my day.

We took naps after the party, and then Mom was nice enough to let me and Chance go out for a date!! We left at 6:30 and never worried about hurrying through dinner, how late we were staying out or how much to pay the babysitter. Glorious! We went to Sam's on the Square for dinner (spicy shrimp tacos--yum!!) and then to Diamondback's for dessert. This is the exact date we had just a few weeks before Cara was born, so it was fun to think about all that has changed in 15 months. Our dessert was expensive, but very delicious. A 30th birthday should be celebrated well!

Sunday:
My actual birthday! Mom went home that morning, sadly, and we piddled around the house in the morning. Cara woke up early because of the time change, but Chance let me go back to sleep--what a guy! We went to Sunday School and then came home for lunch. I helped host a baby shower for a friend, so I got to have more friend time that afternoon. Chance took Cara to Cabela's and to run other errands, so they didn't miss me too much! :)

That evening, we went to dinner with Cayce and the Edisons to celebrate my birthday. Nothing screams "It's my birthday!" like giant balloons and presents in a crowded restaurant. It was really fun to spend time with family and close out this jumbo-sized weekend.

My 30th birthday weekend was full and memorable and exciting--just the way it should be. I felt very loved and very blessed by all the friends and family who shared in my celebrations.

This week, we're looking forward to a GIANT Baylor football game Thursday and a trip to visit M&D on their turf. More fun in store...