weekend celebrations

We had a very fun and busy weekend. Full of Riverfest activities, a golf tournament, an impromptu shopping trip in Newton, and of course fun in the sun.

Then, the start of my "birthday week". Growing up, this was always a running joke. But as I've gotten older (hence more birthday candles appearing on the cake), I have realized how incredibly lucky I am to have so many celebrations for my own birthday.
This is just one instance...

the traditional "birthday plate"-it certainly makes one feel special :)

my brother worked on his secret sauce for two days, yes it was VERY delicious!

I had family travel all the way from Colorado, just for me! Well, that may not be entirely truthful, but they came and celebrated and that was very, very special!

Some other photos of a great evening!

I want to thank everyone who helped me celebrate my birthday this weekend! And a very special thank you to Mark's family for treating us out to a great dinner and yummy cake Saturday evening. It's not even my "official" day but I feel more special than ever. Moving to Georgia is definitely going to change these types of celebrations, so I will cling on to this one for years to come. Thank you everyone, for making me feel so loved.

And if you noticed a nice change in the quality of the photos I've featured in this post, it's because my husband is awesome and wonderful and made my dreams come true, giving me a birthday gift that left me speechless and in tears: a new camera. Thanks honey, and more to come on my latest photographing adventures!!