I’ve never really been one for throwing parties for my birthday, and to be honest the last time I had a party for my special day I was six years old and it was a horrible experience.  I invited a handful of friends to a picnic in the park and then an afternoon at the swimming pool.  The family friend who was watching us forgot to put sunscreen on me and bring my sandals, so by the end of the day, I had burns on my feet from the Arizona sidewalks and the WORST sunburn of my life.  I was sick for days after and even my mom’s rainbow cake couldn’t relieve my pain. I should seriously scan a picture of my round, freckled bright red face.  It’s so painful that it’s cute.

I was really hoping that this time around at 27 years of age the result of a birthday party would be a bit different, and it was.  I’ve have always known that I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for, but it was proven as a scientific fact at my birthday bbq.  Over thirty friends and family members were able to attend, and I had a blast with every person there.  Zac manned the grill while everyone munched on the food that my mom and I prepared and chatted with each other.  Heather’s house was the best spot for such a shin-dig, and I am forever in her debt for opening her doors to us.  It was laid-back, relaxing and everything I wanted, and just to put the awesome-factor over the edge… I got a Pinky Pie My Little Pony.  Best Birthday EVER!!!

One of my favorite moments in the afternoon/evening was watching so many of my blogger friends introduce each other as their blogging name.  You know you’re a geek when you get to watch your friends put faces to names on your blogroll.  But, that was the cool thing about seeing such a diverse group of people (all of whom I adore) interact with each other.  From my dad searching for bugs with my boss’s kids to the group talking about building a supercomputer, it was heart-warming to see such a physical manifestation of the facets of your life come together so easily at a backyard bbq.  So to each and every one of you who took time out of your Saturday to come help me celebrate… thank you!

The greatest birthday gift ever. Click to see a larger version. Tons of people from my hometown wishing my happy birthday thanks to Zac.

Apparently, they called each other and decided to all wear stripes.

Probably discussing Rifts.

Not only are they dressed alike, but Dad and Eric even sit alike.

The baby brothers.

Mya doing her version of ‘The Robot’.

The girls.

Chicago aka Ryan Adams.

My #1 bff.

While babies love him, everyone else was a lil scared of my dad.

Zac: Captain Grillmaster

Amare is the cutest baby ever!

Still not sure why she was acting like such a lil gangsta.  Her words, not mine.