Happy 31st!

Wow, these birthdays are coming around faster and faster! I had a wonderful birthday weekend. It all started when Debbie and Chad surprised us from Charleston on Friday night. I was suspicious when I got a call from Ross Bridge that morning to confirm my spa appointment, but wasn't 100% sure what was going on just yet. When I saw them pulling up Friday I was so excited. Saturday morning, Deb and I had a massage appointment at Ross Bridge. We enjoyed our relaxing spa treatment and then headed to the pool. After a little sunbathing, we had lunch at the Grill and then James & Chad dropped Claire off to join us for some swimming. Claire loved the Ross Bridge pool and big slide. We had a lot of fun goofing off while James & Chad went to play a quick round of golf at Highlands. After we all got back home, we decided to go out for a birthday dinner. We went to Do Di Yo's in SOHO and had a wonderful meal. This place has yet to disappoint. I was a little worried about how Claire would act during a long dinner, but she couldn't have been better. She ate her meal during our salads, and we let her have some ice cream during our main course. After dinner, James surprised me again with a yummy cake from Edgar's and presents. My main gift was the spa day, but he and Claire wrapped up a few small things as well. Sunday, Chad left early to drive back to Charleston and we took Aunt Debbie to the airport heading to Baton Rouge. We squeezed in a nice run at Jemison Park and made some sweet potato fries (our new favs) for lunch before she left. It was a great birthday weekend!

Aunt Debbie & Claire ready to go down the slide!

Wheeeeeee!

Ready for Do Di Yo's

Uncle Chad, Claire, Aunt Debbie, Me & James

I love Daddy & Claire's wrapping job!
Excited about tupperware!

The pretty cake from Edgar's...chocolate with butter cream icing.

Someone is excited about 2 desserts in one night!

Monday was my actual birthday and the surprises continued at work. Kim brought me flowers and balloons to brighten up my office and everyone joined me for lunch at Surin. After a great Thai meal, we had Publix cake that was delish! I also can't forget the wonderful birthday wishes I received by cards, e-mail, facebook, and voicemail. I'm blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Unfortunately, there was one damper to the day. When I went out to my car to leave after work I found it had been broken into. I was driving James' truck that day, and someone decided to bust out the passenger window and take our GPS. I guess it could have been worse, but I still can't believe they were able to get away with that in broad daylight on campus. I have decided to park on the opposite side of the street now, closer to the building, in hopes nothing like this will happen again. Oh and in addition to the GPS, they also now have a cooler with a sippy cup full of apple juice. Claire still keeps asking who broke Daddy's window and took her juice. We tried not to let it ruin the rest of the day, and ended it with a movie night at home complete with popcorn. Thanks to everyone for making my birthday so special! Love you!

Pretty flowers in my office

July 4th!

We had a wonderful holiday weekend celebrating our country's independence! Thank you to all of the service men and women! On Saturday morning we drove to Montgomery to celebrate with family on the Alabama River. It was a great time filled with barbecue, baby pools, slip-n-slide, fishing and LOTS of boat riding on Granny & Paw Paw's boat. Claire sported her new life-jacket and had a lot of fun. So much fun, she slept until 8:30 on the 4th and 9:30 the day after! Whoo hoo! Mommy & Daddy enjoyed sleeping in for the first time in a LONG time. Saturday night, we went out on cousin Lester & Laura's boat to watch the fireworks on the river. It was gorgeous and the water is so peaceful at night. The morning of the 4th, more family joined us and we spent the day outside catching up with everyone and eating, eating, eating! I love having an excuse to bake and eat more sweets than usual. "If you can't eat an extra cup-cake on the 4th of July....when can you?" (right, James?) Late that afternoon we headed back to Birmingham in hopes to go watch the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks. Unfortunately, we were too tired to make it, but at least we saw some the night before. Monday was spent relaxing at home and enjoying an extra day off! What a great weekend!

The little ones couldn't wait on the water before jumping in.

Ready for another boat ride! Doesn't Claire look stylish in Aunt Cara's shades?

This was no simple baby pool....it came with a basketball goal and slide...fun fun!
Claire thinks slip-n-slide consists of running all the way down... ...until Aunt Cara offers to pull her on the float.

Being silly on our day off. Claire loves her accessories!

Happy Father's Day!

This is a little late....but Claire and I want to wish a Happy Father's Day to the 3 most wonderful dads - Daddy, Grandpa & Paw Paw! We enjoyed spending the weekend with you all and hope you know how much you mean to us! We love you!



This year for Father's Day my family came to Birmingham for a short visit. We had a great time playing in the small pool, baking desserts, and just being together. Everyone left Sunday morning, and we headed to Corner for more grilling out and Father's Day celebrating with the Creel's! It was a great time!

"You're not trying to watch that golf game are you daddy?"

Everyone helps open presents....we hope Daddy likes his new shoes & camera.

Sweet picture of Claire with her Aunt Debbie....just a little crazy hair, but that's okay.All the cousins! They are growing up too fast!