Here's to 27!

Hard to believe it's been a decade since I was 17 years old...but it's true. I think 17 was my favorite birthday year...I fell in love that year, perhaps that's why ;) And the guy I fell in love with at 17 is now my husband and he is still making me feel special 10 years later. I am reminded every single day how blessed I am to be his. Just look at what a fun, birthday surprise he had planned...


A birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant!



Then, we were off for another birthday surprise...

A visit to see ZooLights at Point Defiance Zoo!




I sure do love this fella!


They were so pretty =)


My favorite little spot of the night


Then we got to this little spot where there was a bench for sitting and admiring and we started to walk past it, when I noticed my husband was smiling from ear to ear. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was going to get down on one knee and pop the question! So I asked him what was up and we sat down on the bench, when he gave me the most beautiful Christmas present...

Now, the picture I took didn't come out well, so I borrowed this one, but I just love it! It's so beautiful and I'm so lucky to have such a thoughtful husband =)


Then a very nice stranger offered to take our picture...a nice variation from the self-portrait =)

After we said goodbye to the zoolights, it was time to go home so I could finish packing for my trip home. After spending most of the day in airports and on airplanes, I was so happy to have a little welcoming committee meet me in New Orleans. Mom, G, Jared, and Zack were all smiles when I finally arrived. And I was also thankful to have a little help with my luggage.


Zack excitedly grabbed my first bag and said "I got this one Kitty. I'm driving this one." And he took off with it =)


And Jared grabbed the other one!


But this suitcase came with a special label...or should I say a special warning sign!


Zack even tried to load it into the car for me =)

So we all loaded up, stopped for dinner, and then went on to good ol' Mississippi. The next was a special day for me because I got to celebrate my birthday with my family (minus my sweet hubby). I spent the day shopping and having lunch with my Mom and little sis. Then, Dad had suggested we go out to eat at a place called Swamp Bottom for dinner...so we did and boy, was it de-lic-ious! And of course, no birthday is complete without one of these...


My 27th Birthday Cake!


Yay for 27! I've always preferred the odd numbered years anyway...not sure why, they just seem like more fun =)


Blowing out my candles and making my wish!

Now, I know you aren't supposed to tell your wishes, but I am going to break that rule. As I blew out my candles, I wished for my Dad to get his health back and for his cancer to go away. The day after my birthday, I left with Mom and Dad for Dad's next checkup at M.D. Anderson. Unfortunately, my wish has not yet come true because we found out today that Dad's cancer is no longer stable and his chemotherapy has stopped working. This means his tumors have grown and he will start a new chemotherapy in January. It was definitely not the news we wanted, but it's the news we were given. I am still trusting God with my Dad, I always will, but it's still difficult to process. No little girl, no matter how old, wants to see her Daddy weakened or anything less than the strongest man in the world. So I will continue to hope...continue to pray...and continue to trust in the One who is forever in control. And of course, I'll spend every birthday wish I have hoping for a miracle.