frogs, bike rides, coats, and pony tails!

One of our frogs died. No wait-- make that two of our frogs died. Sad. 

 Dave did a 100 mile (yes, I said ONE HUNDRED) mile bike ride last weekend. The kids loved waiting for him to finish and watching him come in from his ride. We kept busy with coloring and eating grapes

 (and wearing my sunglasses)

 It has been starting to get a touch chilly. I really love fall in Texas. It's chilly in the morning, but still in the 70's in the afternoon. Perfect.

 Quinn had Columbus Day off. We had a super exciting day at home.

 Veda is rarely without something silly on. Sunglasses, dress up clothes, skirt as a hat, etc.

 And Quinn started wearing a pony tail!! This is a new thing for her! She has always had short hair, but decided a few months ago to grow it out. It's exciting and sad to see it in a pony tail. It makes her look too grown up!

my 30th birthday

Dave threw me the most awesome surprise party ever for my birthday! I was completely surprised! It was an awesome night and I felt so loved by all the people who showed up (and all got a babysitter!!) 

I can't seem to find pictures of me and Dave from that night... (I got a new phone for my birthday, so pictures are all spread out from the transition.)

Me and Alanna. 

She and Allisa helped Dave with the party (or did most of it??!) She was awesome enough to host at her lovely house. And I love her because we are the same height- and often I look taller than her in pictures :)

Me and Allisa. The other major party planner. I still can't believe she didn't spill the beans. (And she's totally squatting down-- she's much taller than me) :)

Me and my friend Hilary. She made some amazing home made hot fudge for the pizookies we had that night 

 My friends Kasee and Cami.

 We played a bunch of minute-to-win-it games. It was a blast. Here's my friend Jessica balancing cupcakes on her forehead.

 The yummy food spread. We had home made pizookies (cookies with ice cream). They were so good. Plus the darling decorations that Dave made (the Happy Amberfest sign)

My actual birthday was on Saturday. My awesome "Sole Sisters" all set their alarms for midnight to come over and decorate the outside of my house. We were all planning to run at 5 am that day, so midnight was the best time to get it up so I would be surprised without catching them. It was so nice. There were streamers and this '30' piñata and a gift card to a running store.

 The wonderfully sweet gift from Quinn.

 The chocolate  cake I made. It was slightly disappointing actually. (but pretty huh?!)

 But this cupcake from Panara wasn't disappointing :)

I had a great birthday. I feel so lucky to have such great friends and such an amazing husband that made my birthday so special!!

Almost 30

Thirty. You guys. I'm turning 30. In two days I will no longer be in my twenties. Crazy, right? 30 is kinda old? Okay, not really. I know I'm not 'old.' But it is still a big milestone. I'm not getting any younger- amiright?!

When I reflect on this life of mine. I feel pretty lucky (yes, REALLY lucky)

I just had a super fun Amber-fest visit from my mom

I have some of the greatest friends that a girl could ask for

 I'm in the best shape of my life (notice I didn't say 'skinniest' shape of my life). I might weight more than I ever have -- but it's muscle, right? Except for those few pounds around my middle. But hey- I LOVE chocolate so it's an okay balance.

 I have the greatest husband ever. (super funny, hot, smart, sweet, hot)

 And I have some of the cutest and silliest kids around

I welcome my thirties with open arms. (okay- maybe not WIDE open). But I'm ready. As long as I get some cake on my birthday (and by cake, I mean a WHOLE cake...)