30!

Waaay back on the 3rd of this month, I turned the big 3-0.  My husband gave me every reason to love the beginning of this new decade.  On the night before my birthday, he arranged for a dinner with friends at one of our favorite places, Trostel's Dish.

All I knew about the next day was that I was supposed to be ready by 8:00 am.  The whole day was arranged for me by Justin but I had no clue what I'd be doing so it was really fun to just be escorted around and find out what was next on the agenda! So, ready I was.  About 5 minutes after 8:00, my sweet friend Kristen showed up at the door to take me out for breakfast at La Mie.  It's a special treat that I don't get to enjoy often!

My mocha totally hit the spot!

Next was onto Lily Nails for pedicures....

Can you ever have enough foot massages as a pregnant woman?
I think not.

The finished result.  I think while I'm in labor, I'll appreciate that I can look down and see these pretty toes.  It's the little things. :)

Then, Kristen took me back home and as we walked through the door, we both commented on how good the house smelled.  Next thing I know, Lily is getting forks out of the silverware drawer so I asked her what she was doing.  She replied "for the chocolate cake!".  Justin tried to play dumb - "What chocolate cake?"  Lily responded "The one in the microwave."  Well that was one surprise she was not willing to hold onto until later. :)

It sounds like it was quite the fiasco making this, but I thought it was great.  Definitely made with love!

Shortly after arriving back home, my dear friend Whitney showed up.  I was SO SURPRISED to see her!  She drove 2 hours from our hometown to spend the afternoon with me.  These girls are the best!

Next up was lunch at Carlos O'Kelly's.  Whitney and I used to eat there all.the.time. in Cedar Falls while in college.  I think we ended up staying there an hour after they brought us our check, chatting away and catching up!  After that, we went to the mall and the lady at Clinique offered to do my eye makeup for me as I was picking up some mascara.  Sure, why not?  A little extra pampering never hurt.  We met up for a short while with Whitney's brother and his wife.  J.R. and I share the same birthday so it was fun to hang with my birthday buddy a little bit.

By then, it was time for my last destination.  Whitney dropped me off back in Ankeny to have dinner with my 2 favorite people.

Not much room on my lap these days but this sweet girl doesn't mind.

My "Birthday Queen" crown pretty much says it all.  I did feel like royalty for the day!  Justin did a great job planning the whole thing.  So, so blessed I am.

And this post wouldn't be complete if you weren't able to hear Lily singing her own rendition of Happy Birthday....

My sweet pea serenading me!