The Big 2-6!

December 22nd I turned 26 and when you share your Birthday week with Jesus it makes the party throwing a little complicated. This is something I'm used to though. It's just an inconvenient time. When I was younger my parents would have my Birthday parties in the middle of January because if we even attempted to celebrate on my actual Birthday weekend it was always a disaster.

Last year me and my friends Mandy and Kim threw a big joint Birthday bash.

This year we intended to carry on the tradition, but it just didn't work out. Next year though, it's on!

This year was the first time I was away from my family on my actual Birthday so my expectations for the day were kind of low. However, to my pleasant surprise, my Birthday celebration was not only awesome, but lasted all week long.

First up was girls night at one of our absolute favorite restaurants - Cheddars! Then we went back to Mandy and Michael's house for some cake and ice cream.

Michael is a master cake baker. Last year he made me my own special football cake. I was thrilled.

This year he completely outdid himself. Seriously, how does he do this?

Next up was Birthday lunches #1 and #2. The first Birthday lunch was with some sweet girls from work, and the one who planned the whole thing does not even work in my department. She just wanted to make sure that my day was celebrated. Then for Birthday lunch #2, my entire department went out to the restaurant of my choice - Chick-fil-a! I can't believe EVERYONE went. That never happens.

Then there was my actual Birthday - Dec. 22nd. Ok, can I just say, I have the best friends on the face of the earth. Sam and Amber Bhatt, I am so thankful for you and your family. I am sad we did not get a photo of our night, but they went all out and made it so special with dinner at The Melting Pot and then a movie. Izzy was so excited to watch me open my gift, a new watch for my half marathon.

My parents had their Birthday celebration waiting for me when I arrived in Florida on Dec. 24. They had my favorite cake waiting on the table as soon as I walked in the door and specifically told the American Cookie Company people to make the frosting colors Broncos blue and orange, not to be confused with the well known Gators blue and orange.

The lady in line behind was dad was appalled at his statement. She gave him the craziest look and said, "You don't like the Gators?" When he responded, "no" she probably started praying for his soul right then and there in the middle of the mall. That's just how it is in Ocala, Florida. You have to love the Gators or random people in the mall look at you like you have three heads.

What a welcome to year 26 of life. I think this is going to be a great year!