I am officially another year older. What a privilege to get to be 45 (that’s my new framing). My family and friends spoiled me with lots of love, shoulder rubs and other gifts and yummy meals. This year was the first in several that Brent and I were in the same state on August 23rd and he was determined to make it special. I took Friday and Monday off so that ‘birthday weekend’ could go on and on!
There was a romantic date night on the beach as Brent and I packed a couple of drinks and grabbed clam chowder from Schooners to enjoy as the sun set. It was gorgeous and gave us plenty of time to weigh the pros and cons about opting the kids out of school for the fall. Even that topic is pleasant when I’m sitting on a blanket with my head on Brent’s shoulder as the sun colors the sky purple!
We had some family time on the beach too. I played paddle board with Liam and watched him skip every rock he could find. It was calm and beautiful.
Saturday I spent an hour and a half on the phone with my best friend! That brings me incredible joy and we don’t usually find long windows of time so when we both find ourselves up crazy early on a Saturday we jump on the phone and talk quietly to keep the kids sleeping.
My actual birthday was full of so much love. Brent made the yummiest pancakes and grabbed Starbucks. He had hung up the Happy Birthday banner in an act of simple kindness that made my heart swell. There were gifts and cards from family and friends around the country. My dad sent flowers that were a beautiful centerpiece for our table. In the afternoon the skies got grey and a thunderstorm tore through Hull. It brought rain and some loud-cracking thunder that scared us during sushi dinner. I love thunderstorms. I love sitting out on the porch while it rains. It was perfect! Plus, Brent baked me a chocolate cake and wrote Happy Birthday Kyle on it. I mean how lucky can one girl get?
On birthday morning, Ellie sent me the sweetest text and Liam cuddled with me on the hammock once my mimosa glass was empty. I am serious when I say I felt like a queen.
Today we went for a hike in the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and stopped at a Farm for wraps and ice cream (for those who didn’t complain). It was humid and pretty hot but so nice to be in the trees. I loved it so much we grabbed a membership so we can go to any of the MassAudubon Sanctuaries for free all year. There is so much to check out and I’m pumped!
I don’t know what this year brings. 2020 taught me not to bother trying to predict. But I know for sure that this year launches with my heart full of love and joy and gratitude.