I had a pretty nice birthday (month because the celebrations keep on going). It started the first day of the month with Mom, Nani and me going to Napoli's Italian Restaurant.
We were celebrating all of our birthdays which are one week apart starting with Mom, then Nani a week later, then me a week after her.
Dad actually starts off the week-after-week-after-week birthdays with his birthday a week before Mom's, but since he doesn't like Italian food, we went without him on a day he was at the temple.
We had such a lovely time together that I instantly agreed with the following sentiment when I saw it:
The night before my birthday Glen took me to dinner at P. F. Chang's. The two plates of food we chose to share were delicious, and I got an unexpected free birthday dessert, with sparkling candle, when asked if we were celebrating something special.
Sarah was all excited about going to the Taylor Swift Concert at the movie theater and invited Rebecca and me to go with her. Turns out the best day to do it was my birthday. Caroline wanted to join in the concert fun as well.
It was a very fun experience as we were exclaiming over what a fabulous entertainer Taylor Swift is as she sings and dances going strong for such a long concert. She is amazing. Who knew I would one day consider myself a Swiftie!
Of course my birthday restaurant of choice was Texas Roadhouse. I could literally just eat rolls and nothing else and be totally happy. But, I ordered a dinner and was I ever disappointed!!!
When I cut into my "steak" I realized it was hamburger. We had already eaten cheese fries as a free birthday appetizer. Then I had been eating lots of rolls, and my salad before I realized what had happened.
By that time, I was already pretty full and had no desire for them to give me the steak I had ordered. The manager came by to apologize and tried to get me to let him get another steak for me. I told him all I wanted was some (a lot) of rolls to take home with me for compensation.
He ended up taking my meal off the bill, brought me a DOZEN rolls to take home, and also brought me a free birthday dessert. Caroline was happy to enjoy the ice cream treat.
Of course the girls were insistent I sit on the saddle and get the big birthday YEE HAW when I was served my dessert.
It had been a wonderful, long day of fun with my daughters and granddaughter. I really loved that experience with them.
Once again I agreed with the following sentiment:
My sweet friend, Jan, gave me a flower bouquet a couple of days before my birthday and they stayed beautiful for half of the month. Loved looking at them!
Glen helped Dad and Nani with their finances. We had lunch at Chuck-a-Rama together.
Dave Ziemski has been having troubles with his eyes and hasn't wanted to drive to Bountiful to eat at his favorite Mexican restaurant. We told him we would be willing to drive to him. He chose Famous Dave's for our late lunch.
We got together with Nadia Terron, one of our missionaries, at Texas Roadhouse. She is such a sweet person and it was nice to get an update on her life.
We see a lot of deer in our backyard. We have seen a lot more bucks this year than past years.
We have been enjoying watching the birds (and the squirrels) eating from the birdfeeder. Whatever is dropped to the ground the quail eat. It makes for an interesting view out our back windows.
This cute little Maverick is now 6 months old. Because he was born a couple of months early, Haley has said it feels like they have a perpetual newborn baby. One thing is for sure--it is fun to see his face light up in a smile these days.
Glen and I got this invitation from Madison.
We picked up lunch for Madison at Del Taco so she would have a fun lunch with us on her lunch break.
We checked out the book fair--which Rebecca is always in charge of several times during the school year. Then we could tell Madison was anxious to go outside for recess.
When asked what she likes to do during recess she said she likes to walk and talk with her friends. Cutie!
Caroline was in her junior high school play which was performed in a high school auditorium. The play was Mary Poppins. We were very impressed with the actress playing the lead role.
She sang so beautifully. She stayed in character whenever she was on stage, using the best gestures and facial expressions and pauses for effect--just like the real Mary Poppins. She was amazing! Such a good actress for a junior high school student.
This is the Banks family taking a bow.
Caroline was in the chorus. They were on stage a lot and it was enjoyable seeing so many students participating and getting a good share of time on stage. Caroline is in the middle next to the boy wearing suspenders.
I loved the play so much that I decided to go again the next day. That night Madison and Dallas were able to attend. Rebecca had gone to every performance.
When I found out there had been an earlier matinee that Saturday, I was sad I hadn't thought of going earlier in the day. I could have seen it three times. I enjoyed it so much more the second time I saw it.
They all did such a great job. The drama department is amazingly wonderful in Utah schools we have learned through the years.
Speaking of school plays, Rebecca and Dallas had gone to see Scarlet Pimpernel at Davis High School and she loved it so much she wanted to go again when the other cast was performing. I happily went with her and we were impressed with the costumes and the acting and singing. Loved it!
My friends planned a birthday lunch for me at Plates and Palates. I am sad I forgot to take a photo of us at lunch.
Grant and Diane Stewart invited our friend group to their home for a Friendsgiving dinner.
We really love this fine group of people!! We have been missing Lane and LaVona Lewis as they are now serving a mission in Alaska.
We were all exclaiming over the beautiful table setting. Diane had fixed a lovely centerpiece using white pumpkins, white candles, red apples, pinecones and colored fall leaves which made the table look so elegant.
Grant was happy to explain to us that the turkey-design China plates were his mother's that she would use every Thanksgiving.
We all shared things we were thankful for and also shared holiday memories. We definitely left feeling very thankful for such wonderful friends and for all of us being able to be there together that evening.
It is always fun to see what Hale has prepared for the picture wall each time we go to see a play. This time it was so bright and beautiful with the white Christmas trees and the Santa sleigh.
This play was my absolute favorite. We were all loving the music and the changing sets and scenery. The elves were so fun and cheerful.
The story was a good one. Buddy, the Elf, did such a great job. It was sweet and fun and we left there feeling very happy and uplifted.
As per our usual habit, we went straight from the theater to Red Lobster for dinner. And let the birthday celebration continue as I had a free dessert waiting to be claimed.
I chose the strawberry cheesecake, shared it with the table, and we all agreed it was delicious. I didn't get a photo of my treat, but the memory of it is in my mind.
