So I feel just a tiny smidge of guilt...

... as I write about my birthday before Miss K's (which was almost 2 months ago), 

but I promise her post will be much more exciting than mine. ;)

Anyways, I've reached the age when all I want to do for my birthday is rent a couple of movies 

and watch them in bed.

I know, I'm crazy exciting.

But this year, Ben knew me better than I know myself,

booked our fav babysitter in the world

and took me to "The Kitchen".

Hands down, one of my favorite birthdays ever.

We had great conversation and lots and lots of laughs,

amazing food,

perfectly paired wines (or water/diet coke in my case-I'm still boring ;),

a waterhose of information about food, preparation and presentation,

amazing food,

and amazing food.

So, thank you Ben for making this birthday simply amazing. ♥

First, we found a couple of friends to join us.

Dan and Chrisy = perfect choice. ;)

Then we met Head Chef Noah.

And his crazy red snapper.

Oh, and the back of that lady's head. ;)

I would have actually preferred a photo of the live lobsters, 

but I was too busy trying to lift my jaw off the ground.

One of the distinctives of The Kitchen,

is the fact that "their kitchen is your kitchen".

You are welcome to walk through the kitchen or wine cellar,

sit on the patio next to the fireplace

or ask the chefs questions... even while they're cooking.

Apparently, this is what you see, whenever Ben and I have a conversation with you. ;)

Our up close and personal with Chef Noah.

Or what I like to call the "I don't know what to do w/ my left arm" photo. ;)

Ben and Dan getting a little sake education.

And a "the breath you take in before you blow out the candle" pic.

You'd be this happy too, if you were holding that deliciousness in your hand. ;)

Now, eating my heart out wasn't the only activity on my birthday agenda.

So was, "clearing out my closet".

And even though this sounds even more boring than the water and diet coke,

it will lead to some pretty fun adventures.

Such as replacing all those really old clothes with some new much more fun ones.

I can't wait. ;)

 The "before".

What? You don't keep a mini drumset in your closet? ;)

The "after".

Now, why would I pick such a random activity for the eve before my birthday?

Because I read this article.

And I needed something to do while Ben was gone.

But I would be amiss if I didn't mention my absolute favorite part of my birthday.

The cards that the little Garates made me.

Including the one of me holding a light saber. ;)

Oh and this.

Yes, my family is awesome. ;)