Surprise! A 40th Birthday Picture Post

The day began with L.A. traffic during morning rush hour, errands, and rain. (Loved the rain!) I got to take a nap, which is always nice, and I had cleared my day of piano lessons. Usually the kids make me taco salad for my birthday dinner, but this year we switched things up and they made taco pizza instead.

It was delicious!

Lyndsay made me my traditional angel food cake with strawberries.

And then things started getting weird. People were rushing around, and Lyndsay told me maybe I should change my clothes for the family picture. I was so confused. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I said, but I got no answer. Don't ask too many questions on birthdays, though. So, I changed.

As I was eating my piece of cake, Lyndsay was telling me, "Hurry up. Get your shoes on. Eat quickly!" And I'm saying, "What in the world is going on?!" Next thing I know, I'm blindfolded and in the car, and Lyndsay is taking me somewhere, while Aiden and Conor are giggling.

Then, Lyndsay is leading me, and I'm taking timid steps.

 When everyone yelled "Surprise!" I screamed. It scared me to death. Apparently, it made for a good reaction. I love the pictures that follow.

This was at my friend Ale's house (my friend who is the children's clothing designer behind Alejandra Kearl Designs) and many friends from church were there, having all worked together to give me this surprise birthday/graduation party.

But then I saw that Hannah was there! Hannah was my best friend from nursing school. She lives about 50 miles away and I hadn't seen her since graduation, but Lyndsay had arranged for her to be there too. I was so happy to see her face!

Love these girls! And boy, do they make yummy food!

 me and Hannah

me and Jennifer

How cute are these cupcakes?! Little fondant band-aids!

And chocolate mints (so delicious!) with the nursing symbol on them! These girls thought of everything!

And mini graduate cupcakes! Love it!

That little stinker Lyns was in on it, helping to arrange my day so I could be celebrated and loved. It was such a great night! I've never had a surprise party like that before. Made me feel so awesome, as I welcome a new decade of my life. Thank you to all my amazing friends! I'm a lucky girl! Love you!