A Great Birthday

My 2nd 29th birthday revolved largely around food and began a little early. Last night, Chris and I were able to go to dinner at the Riverhorse restaurant in Park City. We went there for our first anniversary in 2003 and Chris has been talking about the Alaskan Halibut he ate there ever since. We were really excited to go. I even had my hair done for the occasion.

Both Chris and Uncle Michael (who was one of our willing babysitters for the evening along with Brandon and Ashton) commented about how they didn't realize how much hair I have. Since I almost always wear it up, it did seem like a lot. :) Kinda pretty from the back, eh?
I warned Chris before our food arrived that perhaps our 6 years of remembering the meal may have built it up too much in our minds and we should prepare ourselves for it to not be quite as good. When the food arrived, it was indeed as good as we remembered. Here is Chris with his beloved halibut. He did let me have a few bites. :)
I really enjoyed my artichoke and goat cheese stuffed chicken with beets and gnocchi (sp?).
I mentioned that it was my birthday to our waitress around the same time that we passed on dessert. We were talking about the dessert menu and remarked that the fruit with chocolate cake and ice cream with chocolate sauce sounded delicious, but wouldn't it be great with a brownie instead? "We could make that at home..." Almost as if she had been listening, our waitress then brought out this perfectly-sized dessert fitting our "ideal" description. The cake was very brownie-like. Splitting it was the perfect amount to top off our incredible meal.
Even though we were so full, we still managed to finish off the birthday dessert. :)

We had a great view of these deer and the light snowfall right next to our table.
On our way out of Park City, we stopped to hang out for a few minutes by one of the gas fire pits.
Chris enjoyed throwing some snowballs while we chatted by the fire. :)
Birthday morning: I have been looking forward to having Brie-stuffed french toast for my birthday breakfast. It was really yummy.

Sammy showing us he was done eating.

Niko still chewing his French Toast.

Lunch: Some family members were able to join us for lunch at the Osaka Japanese restaurant. Some family had already gone home for Christmas and some were sick, but we had a nice time with those who were able to come.I had no idea so many family members loved sushi! Bran, Ashton, and Eric all order this beautiful sushi platter.
I asked Chris to try eating his rice and chicken bowl with chop sticks. He's making the "Sam face" from when he was having a hard time learning to use a spoon. I did let him have a fork after the picture. :)

Bran & Ashton... mid-chew (my fault)

Uncle Phil

Uncle Michael

Pat

Eric

Us

All of the food was enjoyed

This was the sweet rice and egg "shell" to finish off the meal.

Gigi came over this evening to put the boys
down while we went to our bishopbric social.

I didn't want to take attention away from the group, so we didn't mention it was my birthday. It was a perfect evening with friends with whom we rarely get together. We really appreciated our Bishop and his wife, Alicia, having us all over for such yummy food and great company.

Melanie and Michael Evans

Leah and Tanner Grow

us... again. :)

I've received so many birthday wishes from friends and family today. I felt very loved. I also really appreciated a couple of thoughtful birthday gifts I received. My sweet husband has given me a very significant boost toward a fund for a professional camera. My sister-in-law, Angi, took the time to come over and wish me happy birthday, despite her busy day. She also gave me the gift of her time and talents for when I do purchase a camera - she's going to teach me how to take great pictures like she does. I'm really excited for when that happens. :)

Thank you, loved ones, for being part of my life and making this a special day for me!