Nine/nine

I love birthdays. 

Even when the numbers are getting higher and I have to stop and think rather hard about just what number I'm on...it does help that I catch up with Nick and for 3 days between the sixth and ninth us kiddos (and kiddos-in-law) all line up neatly in a row: 25, 26, 27, 28 this year...and then I catch up: TAG! 

I am alright with another year turning by, it's been a good one. Full of memories and trips and movie nights and fuzzy socks. And I was asked today if I was a returning student or celebrating my 21st so good to know getting older looks younger on me...! It also helps when I'm surrounded by fabulous people. 

If I'd had presence of mind this morning I would have brought the DSLR but I didn't even remember my lunch...or initially that it was my birthday until Nick woke up super early to take me to the ferry because he's awesome. But I want to remember today...so it's about to get all show-and-tell up in here. 

First things first, thank you Seattle for the extra special treat - a fantastically foggy quiet morning that eased into sunshine and 80 degrees in SEPTEMBER. All weekend actually as I soaked up the State Fair and Rodeo. AND Mt. Rainier is glowing in all her clear glory. Whoa I think I got sunburned and have never been happier about it. 

Cruller Cake!

I'm not necessarily a sweets person...candy bars and cake and cupcakes I tend to walk by without a glance, but I showed up this morning to my co-workers putting together a morning birthday party with a CRULLER "CAKE". Don't know what that is? Well, you should find out. And homemade biscotti... If there's anything I love it's breakfast pastries and coffee. Feeling so loved (seriously, Joyce who picked these up on her DAY OFF had an appointment and wasn't even able to attend! I'm pretty sure that qualifies me as being spoiled today)

Foxy

And Joyce and the office made the day again with her handmade fox card (that says "happy birthday, foxy" on the inside!!) as well as lovely bouquets from personal gardens. Shared lunch with Donna today as I forgot my lunch...that woman can make a serious salad!! Blessed to work somewhere with a fun group of ladies that love to celebrate! 

My Festive Office

Even Starbucks through in a Happy Birthday treat.

Iced Passionfruit Tea Lemonaid goodness

I was even feeling generous when a spider crawled out from a flower I proceeded to take it outside instead and scream and smash like the crazed arachnophobe I generally turn into... (Therese and Megan...that was for you...) 

And now headed home to the woods for another delicious "doughnut cake" from Kurt & Lisa! 

(Do you see a theme? I am in love with doughnuts. Please don't do an intervention until tomorrow...)

Another year turns and another one unfolds. 

And I am reflecting on who I want to be in my 26th year...who I've grown to be the last 25. Some things I love, some things I want to change and some I KNOW I need to change... But it's a blessing to sit here, right now, and soak in the love and joy and fun of today. Gathering close (metaphorically or literally) those that make these other 364 days an absolute blast. Thanks for making me feel extra special today, but more so, thanks for making me feel loved and appreciated always. Even when I'm upset, or flustered, or a pain, or grumpy. I want to live this next year for you because you all inspire me, encourage me, make me laugh and I can't think of anyone else I'd  rather share my birthday with. I'm always curious about who wanders by and reads my jumbled thoughts. I know many of you and are dear and close to my heart. Others I found blogging and am always inspired by you. Others are family and have to read this... HI MOM & DAD! But seriously, thank you for journeying with me...my days are blessed.