Completely Spoiled

Yesterday was my birthday. And, seeing as how I'm no longer 8 years old, I didn't really think the day would be all that spectacular. I was planning on spending the day working, going out for dinner, then having a piece of cake at my mom's house. A good day, but not spectacular. Well, the day completely exceeded all of my expectations. It started with a very early phone call from my mom, wishing me a happy birthday. Then she called back 5 minutes later, telling me to hurry and turn on my radio so I could hear the Birthday Round-up. Oh, geez....
Once I got to school, everyone seemed to know it was my birthday. All day, co-workers and students were very enthusiastically wishing a happy birthday (my 2nd period class even burst into song!). My two good friend at work got me a cake, complete with candles, that we dug into at lunch, and they even ordered me some Harry Potter action figures for my desk. During the last class of the day, an office aide walked into my room with a bunch of balloons and roses and told me that a man with a long white beard had just dropped them off for me. The card was signed Professor Dumbledore. I eventually got my mom to confess that it had been her.
Later, we went to dinner at an Indian restaurant (this is the one day of year that James can't veto me, so I went big!). Dinner was lovely and afterward, everyone met at my mom's for cake. I got more presents, more good food, and spent most of the evening laughing so hard with my sisters that I couldn't breathe.
It was such a lovely, lovely day. It really made me take a step back and realize how many truly wonderful people I have in my life, and how lucky I am. I felt intensely loved and very blessed. I'm not sure I deserve any of it, but I am so, so grateful for people that make me feel so special.

Summer Fun

Although summer has been VERY short this year, we have tried our best to squeeze in as much fun as possible. There have been camping trips (well, one anyway), visits to the park and the pool, family get-togethers, and trips to Salt Lake. Here are a few pictures:

For some reason, we keep thinking its a good idea to eat ice cream cones in the car. What are we thinking?!



The highlight of the summer for Little Man (and possibly his life), was our visit the the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point.

My new favorite photo:
Can't you just hear him telling us all about the dinosaur he's looking at?


Posing with the brachiosaurus.