Birthday celebrations and some other stuff

We had great birthdays this past week. I think we made Brads day great. Ayden and I made Brad breakfast in bed, brought lunch to him at work, went to dinner with our friends the Pillings, then had tres leches cake and gifts at our house.

I had a wonderful day. If I ever feel sorry for myself someone needs to slap me in the face. It was a day that made me realize how blessed I really am because I have the most amazing people in my life. That is truly what is important and I am certainly lucky to have so many people who love me. Brad made me an omelet and served it in my bed. It was one dang yummy omelet. Have I ever mentioned how good the omelets Brad makes are. Seriously, they are so good! Then my friends took me out to lunch. We went to the cheesecake factory and celebrated my birthday and my friend Kim's birthday which is this wednesday. It was great to get together. Brad came home early (1:00) from work to be with the kids and I know that was a sacrifice because he is really busy but it allowed me to have a worry free lunch. I then went shopping and had fun buying some clothes because it has sure been a while since I have allowed myself to do that. Brad had a little family party for me when I got back. I feel like I really scored some awesome gifts this year. Brad and the girls got me some shoes and ski boots (along with the clothes I bought myself), my friend Kim took a picture of my girls and surprised me with that (more below), my friend Elizabeth gave me a Goldtouch nonstick loaf pan from Williams- Somoma that she knew I really wanted, my friend Brittney gave me a set of thank you notes, a list pad and pen, my friends Lyric and Julia gave me a cake stand and a yellow belt that Lyric knew I needed to finish up an outfit I have. A whole bunch more celebrated lunch with me which was more then enough. Seriously I have THE MOST thoughtful friends. It was a wonderful day and I seriously feel like I didn't deserve it. It is kind of humbling. It just makes me want to be a better wife, mom and friend. I have to be the kind of person all these great people in my life deserve. Thanks!!!

Ayden carrying the french toast to Brad. She made most of it I just told her what to do. She was pretty proud of herself.

Yikes!!! I know you all don't want to see what I look like first thing in the morning. It isn't a very lovely thing. My poor carpool friends and neighbors at the bus stop have to see it more then they would like I am sure. Still I had to include the picture of my breakfast in bed that my wonderful husband made me.

Not only are they all wonderful, I think I must have the most gorgeous friends ever too!

My loot. Look how cute my ski boots are. I also got to go skiing this week with some friends. I can't even tell you how long it has been since that has happened. It was a blast and brought me back to the carefree days of thinking nothing but skiing.

Isn't this adorable. When Kim brought it over to me I just started crying. I couldn't believe what a thoughtful gift it was. I had no idea how she did it without me having a clue either. It turns out that when she watched my girls last week so Brad and I could go to our ward party because we were part of the newlywed game, which we won by the way, she took their picture. First of all it was super sweet of her to watch my girls for us since she wasn't going to go to the party anyway because her husband was working and then to surprise me with this was just so great. I love it.

Some catch up-

A couple weeks ago Laela and I drove down town to have breakfast with Brad at a fun place called Goldy's while Alex and Ayden were at school. It was fun to just have a little date with us and Laela. I feel like it is the kind of thing we should do more often. Breakfast was great and Laela sure loved their blueberry pancakes!

~The story behind our new family picture~
So you know I asked Kim to take a quick family picture and you have all seen the great outcome but what you don't know is that it wasn't our first try. First we just stopped by her house after church and tried to snap one in front of her house. For some reason Ayden got all emotional and couldn't stop crying. It was ridiculous really but she was screaming pretty hard and every time she would try and stop it only lasted a second and then she would let out a huge BAAA! Brad and I were pretty good faking it in the picture, Laela had an uneasy look in all of them because I don't think she had any idea what was going on and why Ayden was screaming. Alex was a good sport and gave a good smile in some of them but I think she couldn't understand what Ayden's problem was either. After trying to calm her down a second we just said thanks to kim for trying and went home. Ayden then felt awful for being so silly and cried even harder at home because she ruined our picture. She then calmed down, apologized and asked if we could try again so Kim was sweet enough to come over for take two. Luckily that one turned out great. Thanks again Kim!!!