The Big 4-0!

Well it happened.  There was nothing I could do to stop it.  I turned 40.  I could have denied it for a year or two and maybe gotten away with it, but I decided to embrace it instead.  I wasn't afraid to let people know I was turning 40 and wanted to celebrate.  The fun started on the weekend before my birthday when about 15 of our friends got together for the evening.  We started at our house with appetizers and drinks (cranberry pomegranate martinis - yum!) and then headed out for a nice supper.  We arranged two babysitters at our house and people could drop their kids here for the evening.  There has been a strange smell in the basement ever since, but that is another story.  After supper a few couples kept the evening going at a local tavern.  A heated girls vs. guys shuffleboard tournament took place, and I am fairly certain the girls won. 

On my actual birthday I was surprised by a very nice (all black decorations) party at school.  We had chocolate milk and chocolate muffins for breakfast and then delicious dirt and more chocolates later in the day.  Black streamers were all around the teachers lounge.  I threw myself a party with my kindergarteners because they love celebrating birthdays!  I filled them up with sugar then sent them home.  That evening Miles and the girls took me out for pizza and games.  All in all a great day!

But the birthday celebration wasn't over.  I didn't know it, but my family had been conspiring with Miles to surprise me in Miles City.  I knew something was up because Miles was cleaning the house and getting the guest room ready, but I didn't know what was about to happen.  My mom, brothers, and sister-in-law showed up at my house for the weekend!  It was so wonderful to see them, and a very special surprise.  I just knew I was going to like being 40!

My friend Jami had a bottle of wine delivered to dinner because she couldn't be there.  Miles helped me drink it.

Josh tries his best to intimidate Jenny during shuffleboard.

Dustin is hoping Rachel doesn't know his puck off the board.  She did.

Miles and the girls played video games a few nights later.

Does anyone have a quarter??

Uncle Traig!

My wonderful brothers and my beautiful daughter!

Thanks for coming guys!

And you too Mom!

Josie astounded everyone with her iPad capabilities.

Laura made a cake and cupcakes!

A little playdoh with Grandma Lynn.

Silly faces!

Saying bye to Uncle Shane.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my birthday.  It was a very memorable one!!  Oh I almost forgot, Miles had a birthday three days after mine, but his wasn't quite the milestone that mine was.  He's younger than me, as he would be happy to tell you.  Happy birthday to him too!