30 Years Later

The BIG 3-0!  While the celebration began over a month ago and yes, is still occurring, I am now officially 30.  While I don't feel any older and also hope I don't look any older, I have truly enjoyed every minute of the big birthday festivities.  As you may have seen through a previous post, Jen and I celebrated a month early during our visit to Columbus.  Because of that, I had little expectations for what the actual day would bring.

Nick, per his usual style, surprised me starting at midnight (Ohio time) on the 23rd.  He said he wanted to be the first to wish me a happy birthday with something special.  It was awesome.  He knew how hard it would be for me to be away from all of my family and friends during my birthday week.  His first option?  Fly everyone to Arkansas.  The more realistic and still amazing runner up?  A video from all across the world (thanks to Kristin from Singapore) wishing me a Happy 30th!  While it did make me realize how much we miss everyone from back home, I absolutely loved getting to see everyone on my birthday.  What a fun surprise and awesome start to the day! Here are just a few highlights....

• Cleveland's drool
• "Hats Off To You"
• "Make a wish, make a wish!  Blow out the candles"
• Birthday Bear
• All of the pets that made an appearance on the video
• Cincinnati Favorites

Birthday Dessert - Thanks Katie!

Because I didn't want a big birthday bash, we hosted a "Thanks for welcoming us to Arkansas" get together for our friends that helped make our transition into a new town so seamless.  The morning started with a pleasant surprise...I looked out the window to find a van stuck in my driveway.  While at first I thought he was simply trying to turn around, I soon realized I was the one getting the delivery!  My Mom and Dad sent the most gorgeous flowers.  As for the delivery guy, he was stuck in our driveway for a solid 2 hours.  I know we've said before, but we continue to be amazed by all of the wonderful people that have entered our lives through this move to Arkansas.  For the party, we made Montgomery Inn BBQ ribs and chicken that were delicious!!  The recipe was passed along to us from Nick's parents and was so good and super easy!

waiting for the tow truck

Sent by the Spicher's all the way from Cincinnati

the BEAUTIFUL flowers!

Balloons from Wormer!!

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Place slab of ribs in foil pan bone side down.
Cover ribs with apple juice.   Coveyr pan with foil and bake 4 hours.
Drain apple juice and cover with BBQ sauce.  Cover pan with foil again and bake another 2 hours.
That's it!  The meat is so tender it will fall right off the bone!!

As I write this post, we are in the Milwaukee Airport on our way to Boston and Maine for a relaxing getaway.  With the move and all of the changes since April, Nick and I were in need of a little rest and relaxation.  It just so happens, it's one more excuse to keep celebrating my birthday and of course our upcoming 3 year anniversary.

Thank you to all of you who mean so much to us and have such an important impact in our lives.  Whether you live one minute away or thousands of miles, we are so thankful to have you as friends.  

Jack loved every second as well and is now recovering...