Happy Birthday Mommy!

So for those of you who haven't heard, I had the BEST birthday ever. Chris organized a massive surprise weekend full of twists and turns, special guests and various stops along the East Coast.

I didn't know anything until a few days before we left. And then, all I knew was that Chris and I were going somewhere for the weekend without the kids.

First stop: New York City. We met Mike and Hanna for dinner, saw Wicked, met Alexandra for drinks (going out at 11pm! when was the last time I did that?), drank coffee leisurely, strolled around Central Park, and enjoyed Mike and Hanna's new apartment in the Upper West Side.

(This isn't actually their apt, but it is the ONLY pic I took in New York)

I was shocked when Chris told me to pack up after lunch because we were headed out. (BTW, I had the world biggest suitcase because he would give me no clues about what kind of clothes/shoes I would need so we packed everything.)

Next stop: Boston. For years we've been talking about taking a trip but are always too busy with life, new babies, family obligations and not nearly enough vacation time. So this was a treat. Friday we spent poking around Back Bay and the South End, napping (for as long as we wanted!!!!!) and dining al fresco under twinkly lights in perfect weather.

After breakfast and a nice morning walk, we went back and got ready for the day. I was surprised by two knocks on our door: first, by Mike and Hanna and then, Monica. Chris had been coordinating with them for months. So we spent the weekend as a happy little group of five enjoying Boston's sights and fare.

We became a group of six for dinner on Saturday night. Samantha (one of my book club friends and currently a Bostonian) greeted us a the door... another great surprise Chris arranged! (Oops, no pictures with Samantha.) Another delicious meal with lots of laughing. Back at the hotel over a bottle of wine and dessert, Hanna dazzled us with her knowledge of all the Dugger children.

More walking and eating on Sunday, including finding 3 out of 5 of our names on signs...

...and a quick visit to the bar from Cheers.

(Mon comparing bellies with Norm)

We checked out of the hotel and said our goodbyes. And then, Chris revealed his final surprise. We weren't headed home because... we had tickets to see U2 at Foxborough that night. Wow! It was an awesome show.

If I knew turning 30 was going to be this fun, I would have done it years ago!

And as I've said many times already, THANK YOU CHRIS for planning such an awesome weekend!