Happy First Birthday, Finnegan!

Best Surprise Ever!

Matt and I went to the UFC Fight Expo with Rey & Tina yesterday at the Hines Convention Center. I hoped that Chuck Liddell would notice me while I was there and pull me out of the crowd but somehow, he didn't see me! Regardless, Matt and I did get to take our picture inside the octagon! Better yet, when we came home, I found that I have the most fantastic fiance in the world, and he threw me an amazing surprise 27th birthday party. I was completely blown away. I went down to the basement to get something out of the freezer and about fifty people were in my basement.
I have to thank my friends and family for helping Matt with the planning and for keeping their mouths shut and not letting it slip for the six weeks he planned it! It was so fabulous to have so many important people there for me. For those that were there for me, I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have each and every one of you there with me! Thank you!

Me & Joshy - my bestest since Kindergarten!
Di, Jax, Riche, & I
Cassidy
Sam definitely gets the award for traveling the farthest in one night!
Langs, Joshy, Mel, Cole, Di, & Mike
UFC
Me & Cole

Joshy, Cole, & Jax: Typical Party Animals

Happy 1st Birthday, Abbi!

I don't have any brothers or sisters (biologically speaking), but I do have some great girlfriends, one of whom has given me the most beautiful niece (and another on the way!!). Although Abbi lives in Tennessee with her Mommy & Daddy & their dogs, I was able to see her on Father's Day for her 1st birthday party! I can't believe last July, she was just this little itty bitty thing. I can't actually believe that we're old enough to be having babies and houses and weddings and whatnot... but I guess we are. She's proof!

Last July
This June - at her birthday party!

Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July! This year didn't seem so Independence Day-like to me. Growing up, it was tradition for me to spend the day in Winthrop with some of my "family" and watch them dress like goofballs for the parade in the morning, stay on the beach and eat all day, and watch the fireworks at night. Now that I am grown up (supposedly), the Fourth is Matt's birthday. The past few years, Matt & I have only attended the parade & then headed off to do his birthday stuff. This year, we opted out of the parade & decided we'd head to Winthrop for the fireworks. I was psyched to be there for them, but it didn't feel like the 4th, being able to sleep in & hanging around the house during the day without seeing the fam dressed up in the most ridiculous costumes ever! Regardless, we had a really nice day. Matt's family came over for a little birthday cookout & it was nice to see everyone & spend time with them. Then we headed into Winthrop with my parents for what turned out to be some AMAZING fireworks.

My cousin Anthony taking a picture of the rainbow
The rainbow
I sat at the picnic table in the backyard & didn't use the zoom. This plane was surprisingly far away compared to how low they usually fly.
Sunset
Balcony view, Twisted Tea, Sunset, Harbor, Fireworks = Heaven
Sitting on the balcony, watching the explosions

Happy Birthday Lang!

Langley turned 27 this month, and our house became the place to be again. It's really nice having everyone together, & I'm really thankful that we were lucky enough to find a house with the space for our friends to come & visit.

Happy Birthday Spikey Jon!

Spikey Jon turned 27 and moved to Boston so we threw him a little party.

We converted him to a Sox fan.

Rindge Tinge makes a guest appearance

Mariel's Birthday

I've been lucky enough to have Mariel (and her family) in my life since second grade! We celebrated her 27th Birthday here this past weekend & had a blast! Here are some pictures to share!

Mariel

Sherman & Sally
Cole & Di
Joshy
Matt, Mia, Di, Dook, & Spikey Jon
Langs, Bono, Spikey Jon, Dook, Mia, Di, Matt, & Matt
Matt & Jerry
Dook, Matt, Spikey Jon, & Mia

Happy Birthday Beth & Rey!

For the occasion of two of Matt and I's nearest and dearest, we had a little get together at the house. I hope it was as much fun for them as it was for us! Happy Birthday guys!

Rey's UFC Cupcake Pull-Apart Cake

Beth's Rose Cupcakes

Jen & Josh


Beth & Coop

Langs, Mia, & Beth

Beth & Derek

Growing Up

Bono's birthday was on Wednesday so some of us girls went out to Paddy Kelly's last night to help her celebrate. I didn't feel old when I turned 26, but going out for Bono's 27th definitely reminded me that I'm getting old. In my defense, it was a Thursday night and I knew I would have school in the morning. Regardless, I'm getting old. It took me only about five minutes to get ready because I didn't really care what I looked like. I didn't shower so I could redo my hair, I didn't blow-dry, I didn't put on flashy make-up. I put on jeans that must have shrunk because they always used to fit nicely but now are a tad tight. I wore heels that I used to be able to wear all day but instead, were hurting before we left the house. I was already exhausted. We left for Paddy Kelly's by 7:15, a time when Mal and I would just begin getting ready in college. We were seated at the bar by 7:30. We ordered food, I had one drink, and before 9, I was buzzed, exhausted, and ready for home. On top of that, our discussions are no longer about checking out hot guys or the newest movies. Instead, we discussed starting a book club so that we could meet monthly, have potluck dinners, and trade books that we voluntarily enjoy reading. We talked about weddings and babies (mine and PJ's respectively). We discussed getting together for an artist workshop. We griped about work and by 9:30, a time when Mal & I would just finish pre-gaming in college & begin to head out to the parties, I was home and asleep on the couch. What happened to staying up all night and partying? Maybe it's not possible without my cowboy hat on...

Surprises

My mother is wonderful and threw me a surprise get together with a few of my nearest and dearest. She's super sweet and thoughtful and it was wonderful to spend time with people who are so important to me. On top of being able to celebrate my birthday, which to me is just an excuse to have friends get together, we also were able to celebrate Beth passing her nursing tests to become an RN/LPN (I don't know.. something like that).

Nurse Beth & Derek
Me with Baby Abbi!:)
J, Nurse Beth, & I
Emma, Liv, & I with the American Girls