twenty-eight

So, it was my birthday yesterday.. if you didn't know, you must have missed Val's tribute on her blog.. (so nice, by the way!) Can I just say that 28 is WAY better than I ever expected! I had no idea I would feel this mature and wise. In all honesty, it was a fantastic day.. my best birthday yet. I hate to bore you with all the details, but I just don't have time to blog and write in a journal... so here we go.

Before our trip to Hawaii, Aaron booked a surprise trip to Florida for my birthday. It was so thoughtful and sweet. (He is the best at gifts.. he takes birthdays and Christmas seriously and I love that about him.) So, until 3 days ago, Aaron and I were headed to the Key West, without our kids. While discussing our trip with the boys, their feelings were hurt that we were leaving for my birthday. They really didn't want us to go-- and as much as I felt like saying, "You'll never remember it anyway." I felt bad after leaving them for 9 days in August. So, we canceled the trip and were able to get a full refund (I married a talented man.)

Aaron was super bummed that we didn't go, and that we had nothing planned for the big day, but let me tell you... it was just what the doctor ordered. Our boys were SOOO excited about my birthday, I honestly felt like it was Christmas. They were counting down the days and night before Ben said, "Mom, I am so excited about tomorrow, I just don't think I can sleep!" First thing in the morning, I hear the pitter-patter of little feet running out of bed and as Ben was coming downstairs, he's singing, "Today is your birthday, shout HOORAY!" (primary song) All day, they were saying things like, "You're the best mom ever!" "I can't Believe you're 28!" and "Today is like my coolest, favorite day!" They even sent me around the house with arrows and clues pointing me to hand written notes, cut out hearts and homemade birthday signs. Luke made my bed especially for me, with toys and hearts hidden under my pillows. And this is all before 8 am.

Aaron worked a few hours in the morning, but sent an email with the first clue of a treasure hunt. I thought this was more for the boys than for me... but when I say I married a talented, thoughtful man, I mean it. He had rhymed the entire thing, and sent us searching for 45 minutes for the "hidden treasure." Seriously, I had to call him twice to give us hints because we couldn't figure it out! It was so sweet! Ben and Luke were screaming every time we found a new clue and I was laughing so hard at their reactions. We went everywhere from under the sinks, to our backyard, to the car, and even in my underwear drawer.. (side note.. we thought a clue was telling us to look 'under a chair' when in fact it was 'underwear.' After searching under every chair in the entire house, I suggested that maybe it was underwear... Ben laughs, looks and then says, "It's definitely not in mine!" and Luke follows with "Even not in mine!" Too funny.) Around 10 am we found a beautiful ipod tucked inside Aaron's slipper. I love my husband, can you tell?We met Aaron for lunch, ran a few errands and came home for a nap. For FHE, we went on a hike close to our home. The weather was perfect and the sunset beautiful.This was taken just minutes before Ben said, "These rocks are making the pattern of Cassiopeia!" I guess our star-studies paid off.We came home to delicious chicken fajitas and homemade ice cream and cake. What can top that? Only sparklers, of course. We use fireworks for any special occasion.. and turning 28 definitely qualifies.
Thanks to all who made it a special day... I came home to 18 birthday messages and just wasn't able to return the calls! Out of all the people I love (which is many) I realized yesterday how important my 4 boys are to me. I am so thankful for my little family...being a good wife and mother is all that matters to me! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!