being 30 ... and other tidbits

Today I turned 30. 

The big 3-0.

Like. I'm in my thirties now... so weird.

I started out my day at the gym.
The sun was finally shining, btw.

Then I went out to eat with some girlfriends while Ben (he's had a few days off recently) watched Charlotte, cleaned the house, went shopping, and decorated the house for me (with balloons, flowers, a banner).

 He wrote the above message in pencil and Charlotte traced it with paint all on her own.

 Thanks for the reminder of how old I'm getting, Ben. Pretty sure the neighbors know as well.
These balloons were a good 3 ft tall.

(assembling the cake)

 He makes his cakes from scratch. This one was a cinnamon chocolate cake with buttercream frosting.

Need I say more?

 I had 3 different friends offer to watch Charlotte while Ben and I went out to the movies in the afternoon.

I have the best friends here. It's going to be so tough to move next year.

We got home about an hour ago and are about to have our cake and open presents. 

Charlotte is helping Ben decorate it as I'm quickly blogging.

It honestly was a perfect day.

......

Over the weekend...

 Went to a local park to play soccer (with a ladybug ball) and played on the big toys.

 She had a great straight kick, but runs so daintily.

 Those rough soccer chicks would just demolish her.

 Then we headed to Crumbs and shared a cupcake and tea.

 We were walking back to our car and she wasn't next to me.

I turned around and saw her leaning casually against a building waiting for me to notice.

 Whoops! More park pictures.

.....

About every other night I find her in some odd position before I head to bed.

.....

St. Patrick's Day! She had a big party with our playgroup and at preschool.

Her Nana and Grandad sent her the tattoos and thuggish necklace below.

 Just playing the part...

......

A few weeks ago she and I flew out to Washington for a visit and my oldest sister was having her FIFTH child. Finally, a boy.

 Charlotte loves loves loves babies.

Alexander Wesley Coleman

 Below is just a few hours after he was born.

Love sleeping kids.

 We also went to a hockey game while we were out there.

 She loves watching sports.

And that was all of the pictures I took of our visit.

Pretty pathetic. I know

Okay, I'm going to go enjoy some cake.