Happy birthday to me!!

I think  you should be a child for as long as you can. I have been successful for 74 years being able to do that.

- Bob Newhart

Another birthday has come and gone. It wasn't a big, fancy, exciting day; just a good day. Frankly, after two days at Salt Lake Comic Con 2014, I was thrilled to celebrate my birth with more subdued activities.

My birthday was on a Sunday, and I was thrilled when I realized that instead of regular church I got to go to Regional Conference at the Conference Center. Sure, it involved getting out of bed several hours earlier than I would have liked, but it was worth it to listen to the church's leadership in that gorgeous location... and also be done with church at 11:30 (my regular ward meets from 1:45 to 4:25 every week -- I love sleeping in, but I end up feeling like I spent the entire day at church). I had a really good seat somewhat near the speakers. Elder Hales and Elder Oaks spoke about families and missionary work. Afterwards, I wandered around Temple Square and thought about how I lived with Heavenly Father not all that long ago. Such a peaceful way to being the day!

The Salt Lake Temple

The LDS Conference Center

Next, I met some beloved friends for lunch at The Original Pancake House. I wanted waffles, and I was grateful they were willing to join me, even on a Sunday. Special ladies on a special occasion. It was especially great to have Carrie with us during her short stay in SLC. We miss her!

From left: Liz, Chantryce, me, Carrie, and Kati

After lunch, I went home and took a lovely, lovely nap. Birthday naps are just the best, aren't they?

Then I skipped over to my parents' house for a family dinner. Fettuccine alfredo, german chocolate cake, yoga equipment, and a new crock pot. What could be better?

Cousins bonding. One of the best things ever.

This t-shirt was a gift from Liz. She gave it to me at lunch :)

First year in awhile I've managed to blow out all the candles
and I forgot to make a wish. Whoops!

Dave is by far the best gift wrapper
(Isn't his penmanship lovely?)

The G-unit has recently shown an interest in Doctor Who, so we watched the latest episode together. It happened to include Robin Hood; I thought it was nice that G's first full episode was a mostly family-friendly one. I'm sure his parents were relieved -- so many of the best DW episodes are the scary ones!

If you know me at all, you know that I like to stretch my birthday into "birthday weeks," and since this birthday was on a Sunday, I cheated a little and celebrated for two!

My grandmother (not pictured per her preference) treated my mom and I to dinner at The Olive Garden before our season ticket-holder date to see She Loves Me at Hale Centre Theatre. The play was darling, and the set amazing. I loved all the different chandeliers hanging from the ceiling!

Cutie Gina insisted on taking me to lunch, and we both enjoyed huge meals plus cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory!

Lastly, and far from leastly, my best friends and I went out to dinner at Romano's Macaroni Grill and saw Magic in the Moonlight. Cute movie! Colin Firth is still handsome, and I adore Emma Stone. Even better to spend the time with women I think of as my sisters.

Nichole, Larissa, me, and Kate.
Finally got them all together in one place.
Totally worth the wait :)

That's it for this year. It's been a perfect kick-off for this coming year. I have a few ideas about what is to come, and I hope there are a lot of fun surprises, too. I am a lucky and blessed girl!