Happy 30th!

Brian hit the big 3-0 this year and we had to have a fun day to celebrate our favorite guy in the whole world. The boys were so excited the week leading up to his birthday (which was awesome to have on a Saturday) and had some fun shopping and prepping for his special day. I was wanting to maybe plan a big party or surprise or something but then I realized that is more of something I would want, not Brian. I just asked him what he would prefer and a day with family and a date with me was what he wanted most. On Friday I told him his day was all planned out, so he better not have much planned, and he asked how early things would start. I told him I had already factored in that he would want to go running, so that is what he did to start his day. I hope that one day I WANT to do that for my birthday...that's usually one of the days I give myself an excuse NOT to work out.

So the boys and I got going on birthday prep while he was on his run-

I didn't get any pictures of Thad, the main helper with the cake, but I snapped a few of this cheeser helping me clean up the remnants.

And then we spent the rest of our morning having breakfast, opening gifts and getting ready for his surprise family date.

I'm glad Thad was most excited to give him this gift first. We received it in the mail the day before and the boys loved it and were excited for dad to see it. 

I think Brian liked it too... 

Maybe more like loved it. We both maybe shed a tear or two.

This is what he's looking at:

I framed this beautiful water color photo of our family for him to hang in his office. Brian's cousin has started doing them recently and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get one of our own. To say we both love it is an understatement. This family is our world.

For the boys' gift, Thad knew that dad would love some running gear, so that's what we did.

 After a fun filled morning we headed to an activity that we knew dad would love:

I thought I would be awesome and tote my nice camera along--I don't know that that this picture was worth it, because as I was putting the camera back in the bag my phone slipped out of my purse and...

Boom! 

I sure paid for never putting a case on my pretty pink phone. I'm kinda glad it happened on his birthday or I would have been a way big brat about it (even though it's totally my fault) and let it ruin my whole day. I wasn't going to let the phone ruin this guys birthday and we have found a shop to replace the screen for a decent price, so it's not too bad. 

Anyhoo--onto golfing! 

Top Golf is a family friendly driving range with games, food and clubs for kids, so it was awesome to do this as a family. Thad was so excited for dad to finally teach him how to golf, and he actually did a way good job! 

Wes and I spent most of the time on the sidelines, but luckily it was comfy and had some fans blowing on an incredibly hot summer day.

We all took turns, but I missed the ball about 10 times out of the 15 times I swung and my ankles and feet just weren't dealing with the heat too well, so we mostly left it up to the pro:

I don't see Brian golf much, but this day he definitely impressed me with his skills. I really liked this view! 

As you can see it was a warm day so at the end of our hour we didn't hesitate much to leave for the A/C. It was really so much fun and I know these boys will spend lots of days on the golf course together.

We headed home for a yummy lunch followed by playing, cake and ice cream before we left the boys with a sitter for our date. 

I wasn't necessarily going for aesthetics with the cake, but the delicious homemade frosting and baby birthday banner, definitely made it more than acceptable!

We had to relight the candles a couple times because Wes took the first turn (unannounced) and then Thad wanted a turn (and Wes helped him of course), and then finally... 

 Dad got his turn!

Thirty is a big deal and although Brian says he always imagined himself in a different spot at 30 (not being in school), we both agree that we wouldn't change a thing. We have 2 (almost 3) beautiful children and have had experiences and made decisions that we know are exactly right for our family. Texas is where we are supposed to be here and now. Yeah, it would be great if he was almost done with his PhD, but we can't imagine life without our years in Connecticut--so here we are at 30 and it couldn't be any better!

Happy, happy birthday to my favorite guy. You mean everything to me and I am so happy for the life and family we have built together. I cannot wait to see what the next 30 years brings, but I know it will be good. I love you so much!