My Fabulous 28th Birthday

Like last year, I was home in Charles City on my birthday. Unfortunately, it was under sad circumstances this year with the death of one of my best friend's dads. You may have read about the Sawyer family on my photo blog, but if not, Tara's dad was diagnosed with ALS on June 7th and passed away very quickly on September 14th. I will remember Scott for his positive attitude, constant sense of humor, and courageous fight with a very powerful disease. My prayers and thoughts will be with Tara and her family in the days, weeks and months ahead. I have learned the grief doesn't disappear just because the funeral is over with. Perhaps the hardest time will come 3, 6, 9 months down the road....
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Despite the circumstances surrounding my last minute trip home, I am thankful for the time I got to spend with some of my high school girlfriends, my parents and my sis and nephew, Weston.  This is about the only time I got to actually "hold" him because he's very busy and active, but hey, I'll take what I can get.
He was much calmer last year as a 2 month old *smile.

Ohhhh, man. This photo shoot just cracks me up. I took a TON of pictures and only got two or three good ones. Such is life with a baby, huh?

This year, Weston just looooved Mober. She wasn't his biggest fan, but did pretty well for the most part. Except for when we had to separate them by a glass door.

We made our way out to my aunt's house for a pizza party and wagon ride.

Oh, AND to see Hannah, my cousin Kathy's miniature donkey. But the pizza was good too.

She was so adorable...my face hurt from gritting my teeth together. Just the sweetest, calmest thing. Kathy's nephews love riding her as she's the perfect size for kids with the sweetest disposition. I think I may have Tom considering getting one. Just google "miniature donkey images" and you'll be adding one to your Christmas list as well, guarantee it. No, seriously...try it.

Hannah hangs out with the big guys in the pasture. She has no fear and they're all best friends. It's hilarious. This is just one of many of their Belgians.

I loved the size difference.

Weston thought they were cute too.

Chatting with Hannah and some others.

Hanging with his cousin, Cole. I missed the hug that happened right before this picture was snapped.

After leaving bright and early from CC, I met up with Erin and Trisha for a fabulous massage in St. Paul and then we headed to the Albertville Outlet Mall for some shopping! We had such a fun day and then to top it all off, they made Tom and I a wonderful steak dinner. YUM. Erin is a fabulous cook and I may or may not have eaten all of mine and half of Trisha's. NBD.

Excuse the haze in the picture - the oven had a slight malfunction.

28 is my favorite number so of course, I've looked forward to my 28th birthday for YEARS (literally.)

Loved the 2-8 on my birthday apple crisp made especially for me from Trisha!

Opening gifts is always fun. Cards with words of praise and love are even better!

Trisha and Natalie only bought me "a few" things *smile.

What a wonderful day! Between seeing friends, hanging with my sister, a relaxing massage, texts, cards and packages in the mail, facebook messages, shopping, delicious dinner and plenty of presents, I'd say I'm pretty blessed.