My Special Day At The Waterfalls

 I had the most wonderful birthday last week.  It was a big year, so I wanted it to be special.  I first got a call from Nel and Jess and the grandkids wishing me a sweet day (I already celebrated my birthday with them last month).  I went outside to get the mail that morning, and was surprised to find a package from Jess.  She sent me so many goodies, and I had already opened Nel's gifts earlier.  I loved the pretty cards they gave me. 

Then, I got a birthday e-mail from an old high school friend.  It was sweet of him to remember.  And I opened up my blog e-mail only to find that my dear blog friend sent me birthday greetings too!  We go way back, since our first years of blogging.

Then, I got a birthday e-mail from my brother.  He sent me a couple pics from back in the day.  In the snow pic, I'm the little one on the ground with my sister, and my brothers are up in the tree.  

I spent the day at the waterfalls with my son (which I'll share later).  I've only been to the Falls in the Summertime.  The weather was just right, and it's beautiful in the Spring.  They have a delightful shop there, so we went inside and looked around - they sell souvenirs, sweatshirts, and snacks.  After, we ate lunch on the picnic tables outside - smoked turkey, havarti cheese, artichoke pasta salad from the deli.

When we got home, I noticed my sister had called, which made me glad.  I also received a birthday e-mail from my best friend,

 and one from my other dearest friend.  She sent me this picture of the three of us.

I wanted to share the gifts that Jess gave me.  I love this frame with the kids' picture in it.  The frame is white marble and is heavy.  She got it from World Market, if you are interested.

Drawings from Francesca and Mia, which always go up on the fridge.  Mia's will be here shortly.

Celebrations are not the same without Jess' gift of See's candy.  Her and Brian always get me a box of chocolates, and it is truly one of my favorite things of all.

Coffee and cafe au lait truffle is a double treat.

I got very emotional when I opened up this grandmother's journal.  I can't wait to write in it.

And lastly, I came across this while out shopping, and just had to get it.  Sometimes we need to treat ourselves, especially when it is calling our name.

To end the special day, I had a combination Pizza, and choclate cake for dessert. 🎂 

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.  Anyone who keeps learning stays young."

~Henry Ford

"Those who love deeply never grow old; they  may die of old age, but they die young."

~Ben Franklin

"That's another great thing about getting older.  Your life is written on your face."

~Frances McDormand