Rob and the kids gave me such a great birthday this year - I am one lucky woman! They dropped me off at Lowe's to shop for plants for the front porch, which was a treat in itself. I got to spend almost 2 hours shopping ALONE, taking my time coming up with combinations for the planters and hanging baskets. Just when I'd thought that was the best present ever, they brought me home to balloons, a vaseful of cut flowers, and a flower-covered cake. Not to mention the gifts: novels from Jake, a huge lilac bush from Haley, and the wallet that I'd not-so-subtly hinted to Rob about. All in all, I felt so spoiled and thankful for my wonderful family! Maybe getting older isn't so bad...but ask me again in 10 years. 
I had been telling Haley about how the lilacs were in bloom in Seattle the week she was born, and that they would always remind me of her tiny newborn self. I was so excited to get a "Pocahontas" cultivar from her, since we didn't have any lilac bushes in the new yard.
Balloons, as photographed by Haley.
I couldn't resist including this one of Haley the next morning - 6 going on 16...
I had been telling Haley about how the lilacs were in bloom in Seattle the week she was born, and that they would always remind me of her tiny newborn self. I was so excited to get a "Pocahontas" cultivar from her, since we didn't have any lilac bushes in the new yard.
Balloons, as photographed by Haley.I couldn't resist including this one of Haley the next morning - 6 going on 16...
