I turn 32

*written May 2015

32 started out right for me!  Of course, I (like everyone else) only know what it's like to have a birthday when I do.... but let me tell you, it's a whole lot better having a December bday in AZ as opposed to MN!

My precious next door neighbor, Kathy, came knocking at the door with this surprise delivery of a delicious coconut birthday cake.  It was so thoughtful!

The view from our balcony that day during nap time.  I love when the sky is split like this as a storm blows through.

*****
Mikel was on call for my actual birthday, so the celebrations continued into the following evenings.  First was dinner out with friends -- L to R: Carolyn (front L), Maggie, Krista and me.  We all are physician wives and moved here from Rochester, tho none knew any of the others there.  Crazy!  They have been super easy friendships.
Funny enough, I don't remember where we ate dinner, but I do remember that we all wanted ice cream and so ended up together at a grocery store to get it.  ha!  We figured everyone would want our lives if they knew.

Then over the weekend, Mikel and I had a date night to go to one of our very favorite restaurants: The House Brasserie, a French restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale.  We had the chef's tasting menu, which did not disappoint.  We love to go there, sit on the patio under a heat lamp.  The white tablecloths and big fireplace plus the setting of the old house in which it's built are so picturesque.  I really love it!
--- The only minor hiccup was dessert (Nicole, if you're reading this, it doesn't surprise you, does it?!) The one provided was a dense, rich chocolate cake.  I, not remotely a rich chocolate fan, mentioned it wasn't my personal preference --- so they brought me something much more up my alley: the disassembled strawberry cheesecake with coffee.  YUM!  Mikel had to take my pic with my two desserts.  :) (Tho he ate the chocolate one, in addition to his own, and even HE - the chocaholic, almost couldn't finish them.  So rich!)

One of the very best treats at The House, though -- and something I look forward to the most -- is this: house made cinnamon whiskey.  Not a whiskey drinker?  Neither am I. But this is not the same animal.  It's like a warm, cinnamon syrup with just a little kick.  Perfect for sipping after dessert - and really perfect for a December evening.

Thank you, Mikel, for always making me feel special with evenings like these.
When can we go again??
*****
A few days after my bday, a very unexpected gift arrived in the mail: this cute necklace, given to me by Steph and Rachel Sviggum!  So kind!  I wear it a ton.  Thanks again, gals!

Thankful for another year and for the friends and family who make every day special.  I am blessed!