A Dozen Years

Last Friday, Bo and I celebrated our twelve year dating anniversary.

Holy crap that's a long time.

Well, technically it's not really our "dating" anniversary. We don't even remember when our first date was. But we do remember that on April 6, 2000, Bo handed me a note in the hall between classes. THE note - where he asked me to be his girlfriend. There was a box for "yes" and a box for "no". Obviously, I checked the "yes" box and I haven't had a dull moment in life ever since. And yes, we still have this note in a box somewhere with all of our other keepsake items.

So to celebrate this milestone, we went to Woodfire Grill, which has been on our "special occasion"/"must go here" restaurant list ever since we moved to Atlanta.

Of all the restaurants we've been to in this city, we ranked it second (to Restaurant Eugene, which I can't imagine anything ever beating that place). We got the 7-course tasting menu and wine pairing, and even as much as we hyped it up - it. was. awesome. Several people suggested the tasting menu, and it did not disappoint. It's really the best way to go if you've never been. Our courses included salmon, scallops, trout, pork loin and pork belly, quail, lamb, and strawberry ice cream with chocolate ganache. As a bonus, we also got a few special items from the chef in between (as if we needed anymore...): amuse-bouche cheese and cracker bite, a shooter of gazpacho and chiles, and a nutella milk shake scoop with mini french fries. We were there for about three hours and had a really great time. And then we slipped into a food-and-wine-induced coma the second we hit the couch back at home.

Happy 12 years, my love. Here's to the next dozen..!

Surprise Party

My cousin, Jimmy, and his family live in Monroe, which is about 45 minutes away from me - and last weekend I made the trek for a surprise 30th birthday party for him! I missed the actual surprise part of it since traffic was horrid. But from what I heard, Jimmy was very surprised! Mission accomplished :)

I was impressed Hannah was able to keep this a secret, especially since the party was at their house and they have two young kids. It was so nice to finally meet her (and long overdue since we live so close!).

Jimmy & Hannah

And I finally met their kids, Hayden and Chase, who are soo cute!

Hannah & Hayden

Chase (and Lilly)

We of course had to get a picture with all the cousins who were there. Jimmy's sister, Julie, and her boyfriend, Sam, live in Seattle and were in town that weekend for a wedding, so Jimmy knew they would be there. But they were the only guests he was expecting - he had no idea my Aunt Joanie and her family would be there, too. My cousins Tyler, Jenna, and Lilly were on spring break that week so it worked out perfect for them to be there. I just couldn't miss out on the fun with everyone!

me, Jimmy, Julie, Jenna, Tyler, and Lilly

Sam & Julie, Jimmy & Hannah

bummed this came out blurry - but of the 18 cousins, we are the 3 oldest!

me and the littlest ones!

Isn't this cake just awesome? Those of you who know Jimmy will know how perfect it was for him. He does landscaping, hence the beautifully landscaped 3-0 cake.

Chase was so excited for the cake!

Sam & Julie

After cake, Jimmy opened his presents...with a little help from the kids :)

best birthday card ever, from Aunt Joanie of course - that's Chase picking a winner! :)

And then we had a Wii Dance party! It was a blast.

 

Jenna and Hayden partied a little too hard ;)

And I took my first ever video of Jimmy dancing - so here goes my first ever blog-video (hopefully this works)...

I was so glad I could make it to the party. I especially loved seeing these family members since I missed all of them when I was home for Christmas. It was such a fun trip :)  Special thanks to Aunt Mimi, Hannah, and Julie who organized everything and threw a great party!