The Big 2-6

Yesterday I woke up refreshed, relaxed, and 26 years old. For some reason, this age feels very different to me than 25. Even though last year's birthday caused me to check the next age box up on many forms and applications throughout 2010, it didn't feel that old. 26 on the other hand seems like a hop, skip, and a jump to 30. Truthfully, I am perfectly content with that. So many people are stressed about age and getting older. I am more excited and intrigued than worried about throwing another year under my belt. I have been so blessed by all that has come my way with each year of my life, and I look forward to all that is to come in my (dare I say it?) late 20's. 26, here I come. Can't wait to see what you have in store for me.

If being 26 is anything like my 26th birthday, I say bring it. Because yesterday was fantastic. Start to finish, it was relaxing and full of love. And that is all I can ask for. It started with a kitchen table full of birthday treats and a morning of slowly sipping coffee as I watched little girls giggle and play.

Then, we chowed down on Dunkin Donuts.

While I enjoy the cake part of the donut the most, some other little girls would much rather just eat the frosting. I called this the donut casualty plate.

After donuts were digested and showers were had, we headed outside to play around the house.

The girls surprised me with flowers and berries picked from around the front yard. My heart melted a little with each new handful that was given.

My afternoon birthday adventure was to go the movies and see Tangled. The girls had already seen it once, but were more than happy to accompany me to see it again. Before the movies, we stopped at the playground for a few more minutes of play time. The girls giggled as they reached new heights on the swings...

...and my sister and I teeter-tottered like we used to at my grandparent's house when we were little. 

Once we got to the theater, we stocked up on snacks and then found the perfect seats in Theater 9. And the movie was, well, perfect. I loved it! 

We finished the day at the mall, getting in a little shopping and a delicious dinner. I couldn't have asked for a better day. It was wonderful to celebrate in Florida with family, with my phone getting new email updates every few minutes with messages from NYC and Minnesota that brightened the day. Thank you to all of my loved ones for making my 26th birthday so great!