Turning 37

Thank you, everyone, for your birthday greetings and well wishes. I couldn't help thinking about last year - in Peru - and wondering if anything could top that birthday experience. But as my girls and husband came down stairs singing "Happy Birthday" to me, I knew that being surrounded by my family all day was the best blessing I could hope for.

There were decorations....

birthday bouquets...

a bubble bath (sorry, no pictures)

a visit to a local coffee shop

special requests...."Mom, what is your favorite cd? I'll put it on for you."

When Kevin got home there was a special dinner...

and a beautiful, delicious cake from Dairy Queen....

And we also celebrated Portia's birthday....

I was already feeling quite special, but then it was gift time. First the girls each played me a couple violin songs : ) I had asked for a couple new gardens and this is what Kevin built for me. This first one sits just off our patio and will likely be our herb garden next year.

And then there is a new 12 foot bed along the side of the fence. This is where I will plant sunflowers (like you see now) and then zucchini plants toward the front. I do have stuff growing here this year, but the soil is not very good. With the new beds and new soil, next year's garden should be quite bountiful.

I also got a new camera!!!! I have loved my camera, but have wanted one that is a little more professional. The problem is that I want something I can slip in pocket - especially when we are hiking (which is when I take most of my pictures). Kevin did a lot of research and found this....

It's still a point and shoot, but it's quite a bit more advanced than what I had. I'm having fun learning all the features and taking pictures. I'll share some of those later. (bet you can't guess what I've taken lots of pictures of...)