Iowa

The hubster's birthday was last week, and we went up to Iowa where is family is to celebrate. His brothers surprised him with a limo on Saturday night! Classy. We had a blast. It didn't hurt that the drinks were served with dry ice, so they smoked. Again, classy.

Keep the festivities coming!

After shopping, the hubster surprised me with balloons and flowers at home. In addition to the beautiful carousel he got me, he also got me a webcam do I can Skype with my sister in Chicago. Then we went to the Plaza and strolled around amidst the lights. Topping off my birthday was a trip to Winstead's. Delicious.

Real bday

For the actual day of my birth, I took a vacation day. Then my mom and I went shopping! It was a great day full of super sales, and a delicious lunch at the Trex Cafe. Awesome. Thank you Mom for the best day and my special gifts!!

Route 66

Another cool thing about Springfield, MO (besides Red Velvet) is that it's on historic route 66. We stayed at the Best Western right on the old main thoroughfare that's been around since the 1930s. Old timey history. Love it.

Sister Trip!!!

For my birthday, my sister flew in from Chicago so that we could have a sister trip. Just us. No one else. That is so rare these days, and I treasured every moment. She helped me decorate for the party and kept me sane. Then on Saturday morning we hit the open road and went to Springfield, MO to visit the Red Velvet store!!! I've been following the blog "A Beautiful Mess" for a while and have been dying to see the store. It did not disappoint. My sister even got me a vintage dress to remember my special day. Thank you Krista for the best sister trip ever!!

Photo booth

I have been seeing photo booths and props around Pinterest a lot, so I knew I wanted one at my party. My sister cut out some fun shapes, we put up streamers, and hilarity ensued. Fun!

Birthday Extravaganza

In preparation of turning the big 3-0, I thought it'd be fun to do it up right and throw a party. But not just any party. A vintage carnival/Pinterest threw up in here party. The hubster was very accommodating and let my imagination run wild. We decided to turn our garage into a new space. He took care of the logistical nightmare of blowing insulation into the attic, and I got to focus on fun stuff like tissue fringe garland. We make a good team. It was the best night with all my favorite people around to help me celebrate.

Surprise party at the Sandbar!

My siblings surprised me with a visit to my favorite bar to celebrate my 30th birthday early! It was an awesome time!  I love that all the fruity drinks come with hilarious props, like sunglasses or beaded necklaces.  Yummy drink plus free toys.  Score.  If you're ever in Lawrence, KS you have to make a special trip to The Sandbar.  It is hands down the coolest bar I've ever been to.

The hubster looking cool in his new shades

All 3 brothers having a blast

The Sandbar's claim to fame--the Shark Attack.  The drink looks like a nice blue ocean until you pour the red grenadine into the "water" from the shark's mouth.

The hubster and me.  Fun.

See how many cool toys you get?  That's just smart shopping.

They do this thing called a "Hurricane" where birthday girls get to dress up as mermaids and recite a poem on the bar.  Highlight of my night.

My awesome sister and brother.

My beautiful sister!