The Big 3-0!

Last Sunday Brooke turned 30 years old!

Yep, you read that right...the big 3-0!

Now, we know what you're all saying/thinking..."But Brooke looks so young!" "Wow she really looks hot to be 30!" "She must really eat well, exercise daily, and avoid sunlight to look so great!" We hear you and we're all just as amazed as each of you, but it's true. She is aging and this year was her 30th! ;)

The family had made some plans for this special weekend that included Greg coming in from out of town, Hopie having an Upwards game on Saturday morning, followed by lots of family time that afternoon, and then dinner at Outback that evening. Brooke was very excited about her "special day" but nothing could have prepared her for the weekend ahead...

On Friday night Greg arrived into town for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. It was a blast to hang out (until entirely too late), eat some yummy food, and just catch up over dinner. After dinner we went home and Bobby decided to go ahead and give Brooke her birthday gift. She was super excited to get some Dansko shoes that she has been wanting for about 4 years. It was the perfect gift and a HUGE surprise!!!

Bobby informed Brooke of some changes in the weekend plans but it was nothing too major for Brooke. Bobby had decided to hire a babysitter to keep the kids so Saturday's dinner would be a little more relaxing and enjoyable for the entire family. He had also decided that we would all go to Bennett Pointe instead of Outback for a quieter evening of celebrating. (Smart man, huh?) It still looked like it was going to be a great time for Brooke and the entire family.

So, having a babysitter meant that we had to leave for dinner after every one else to make sure our kids didn't feel too overwhelmed by everyone's immediate exit at the same time. After e giving the babysitter 1001 different directions we finally headed out to meet up with the rest of the family. Walking into dinner Brooke was her normal talkative self and was oblivious to what was about to come. Nana was waiting in the lobby for us and then quickly opened the door to a private room where Brooke heard, "SURPRISE!"....that word was a perfect description of how she felt! She could not believe her eyes. The room was filled with some amazing friends that had all come out to mourn...I mean celebrate the big 3-0 with Brooke! The night was great!!! Bobby had ordered an amazing 80's themed birthday cake that had some of Brooke's childhood favorites like MTV, PacMan, CareBears, and Smurfs! It was also covered with some favorite games like a Rubix cube, SIMON, and of course a record labeled with the #1 hit from when she was born (Michael Jackson - I wanna Rock with You). The cake looked amazing but also had to be one of the best tasting cakes as well!

Brooke was definitely a little bummed to see some faces missing in the crowd but she received special text messages, phone calls, emails, etc from them so she knows that they wish they could have come. Overall, it was an amazing night. It was filled with laughter, great stories, faithful friends, cute (and hilarious) cards, and yummy food! It was a wonderful way to celebrate such a special occasion. It was a HUGE surprise to Brooke and tremendous testimony to how blessed she is daily!
On Sunday (Brooke's actual Birthday) the family went to Outback for the much anticipated dinner that Brooke had requested originally. Her parents and sister's family did a great job of making her feel loved and appreciated with lots of attention and some great gifts. Plus, Outback gave her a YUMMY birthday treat which was exciting for the whole table!

Many people say that their 30th birthday was a hard one for them. Some say that it was depressing for them or hard to except in comparison to the others. For Brooke, 30 was definitely a dreaded birthday and she was not looking forward to the transition. However, now, thanks to this guy....
...Brooke will always remember her 3oth as a celebration/recognition of her many blessings! She will never forget what an amazing family she has or what wonderful friends surround her daily. She is so thankful that her hubby gave her this weekend to help her remember what God has given her daily already...no matter how old! :)