Birthday Week

Each year around my birthday, Pat likes to tease me about how the celebration of my day of birth always lasts about a week, rather than the typical day-long celebration. This year was no exception. It began with a celebration at Campbell Castle last Tuesday evening. We enjoyed barbecued baby-back ribs and garlic mashed potatoes, compliments of Justin. Mom made some of the best squash casserole I've ever had. Needless to say, we were well-fed. 

Those are sunflower plants behind us - they are HUGE! 

The kids are great helpers with opening cards and presents :)

The hubs made me a beautiful strawberry cake! 

Later in the week, on Thursday, Pat's parents had us over for a delicious dinner. Liz and Steve, Pat's sister and her husband who live in OBX, made some SUPER delicious bbq last week when some of Pat's family went to visit. They sent some back for the family members who didn't make it out there and Brenda, Pat's mom, decided to heat it up. It was mouth-watering. We also had some corn on the cob and homemade cole slaw. I couldn't have dreamt up a better meal. 

Later that night, we headed to the home of our very good friends, Kelly and Phil. Kelly and I have known each other for many years. We became close during college years in Chapel Hill. Phil proposed on Christmas Eve a year and a half ago, the day before Pat proposed to me. Their wedding plans are in the works for 2012. 

We planned to leave the house very early on Friday morning for Myrtle Beach, SC for the weekend. Phil, being the creative genius that he is, decided he would make personalized air-brushed T's for the trip. If you've ever been to MB, you know that air-brushed T's are just a way of life down there. 

These were taken around 6am, if you cannot tell. 

We had a wonderful weekend. The weather could not have been more perfect. We spent our days under the umbrellas, taking frequent dips in the Atlantic, and doing our best to relax as much as possible. We spent our evenings wining and dining. The weekend flew by. 

Pat's gift to me!! It was hiding under the house while we were at the beach - I finally got a good look at it when we came back. Isn't she a beauty? Cannot wait to take it out on the water. The Southfork's mini-rapids are calling my name...

Zeke has wonderful grandparents who took care of him over the weekend. He was happy to see us! 

Ultimately, I had an absolutely wonderful birthday week. I am so lucky and so thankful to have the family and friends that I do. I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest person in the world.