We Had a Birthday

 I remember being pregnant with Nikolas and my birthday arriving--very closely to when he was due.  Back then, I wasn't so fond of having a baby on my birthday--for so many reasons.  It's nice to have a day that you can call your own, even if thousands across the world also call it their day, when the focus shifts just a little.  I like to be able to celebrate my children individually, and even though Jozsef really prayed for Hannah to be born on his birthday, I think they both appreciate their days being set apart but not too far from each other (one week, exactly).  

When Nikolas was about 12, he decided that with our birthdays being close (five days apart) that it would be fun for us, just the two of us, to do something celebratory together--and thus a very special tradition was born.  Every year, somewhere between my birthday and his, we set time apart for just the two of us to spend together.  Usually it involves food, but whatever it entails, it's always special and every year it's more treasured.  

This year, he chose a sushi restaurant that neither of us had previously been to as our lunch destination.  The place was small, clean, had friendly staff, and really good food.  Neither of us was disappointed.  After lunch we went and did a little shopping and picked up coffee at our favorite java spot.  We were home in time for a family dinner (prepared by John), cake of Nikolas' choice (this year it was sloe gin), and gifts.  What a wonderful way to usher in Nikolas' 19th year!  

The lighting wasn't the best for photos but the environment was enjoyable, the conversation was great, and the food was quality

Oh yeah!  My birthday came first.  :-)  I enjoyed a bit of sip and shop at one of my favorite local shops, John prepared dinner (charcuterie boards--yumm!), and Sonja had made a cake for us all to enjoy.  It was a good day.  

We enjoyed an artfully assembled array of tasty foods on charcuterie boards for dinner and it was so good that Nikolas chose it for his birthday dinner as well.  Thank you John!

Happy birthday to me--and Nikolas--whom I'm blessed to do life (and birthdays) with. <3