The reason.....................

Actually there were 2 reasons I went to California to celebrate my birthday!

#1. When Jenna and Weston were here taking care of me after my surgery, I was looking in a cookbook and told Jenna that the Chocolate Ganache cake was my favorite. She said she would make it for me if I came to California for my birthday and she did! It looks and also tasted like a professional bakery cake. I loved every morsel! Thanks Jenna for a delicious dinner and my fabulous birthday cake!

I just love this picture of cute Weston signing "more" with his little hands! That's the way I felt about that cake! It was great!

#2. The other reason I went to visit California was to see all my family - Jason, Ashley, Paisley, Charity, Jenna, Casey, and Weston! It was great beyond words to spend a long weekend with them and to celebrate my birthday.

I don't have any pictures of my awesome birthday gifts but I want to acknowledge them anyhow. My family was so kind and generous to give me a special birthday party.

Charity gave me a Coach purse! and it had 2 Nike shirts in it for working out at the gym. This purse is awesome. I never even dreamed I'd have a purse like that some day! She has left me speechless.

Jason and Ashley always know exactly what I need. They gave me a fabulous new suitcase that is bigger than my old one that was more than worn out. They also gave me a perfect tote for my laptop. These gifts are just perfect! I've shopped for both but haven't been able to find what I wanted. It was so nice to get them for my birthday.

Casey and Jenna got me a gift that was on my "want" list but I couldn't find one just like I wanted so I took it off my list! So it was a BIG surprise when a box arrived with my birthday gift - a cookbook holder (easel). It is especially awesome because it is European (French) and fits perfectly with all the little French bakers I have in my kitchen. I was so excited to get it.

Thanks to everyone for a super fun birthday and one that I will long remember! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!