"Let's start the new year right..."

The past eight new years have started with me celebrating the birth of my husband, and excepting the first year we were married, I don't often feel like I do a good enough job of celebrating him.  Especially after having Ella, and when we lived 7 hours away from family, a week's worth of traveling and Christmas celebrating usually left me worn out and waiting until the last minute to remember I hadn't bought him a birthday present.  Poor holiday children.  

Over the past 3-4 years I've tried to be more prepared.  I got sick this past Saturday and am afraid I went to Target with a fever on Sunday in order to prepare for his big day.  I don't normally like to spread my germs, but it wasn't intentionally done, poor person who might have caught my cold from using my buggy.  

But Sunday afternoon I had my big idea:  30 presents for 30 years!  This actually proved a little more difficult than I expected, trying not to spend too much money, but also trying to buy things he really did enjoy and/or need.  I think I succeeded pretty well.  He got a mixture of fun gifts, his favorite treats, favorite meals, and acts of service from me and the kids.  He got to open one present an hour starting at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

James was very upset to learn that these were not his presents; thus, you have the tears in the first two pictures.  He was a very enthusiastic helper for the rest of the present-opening experience, though. 

But before our family celebrations, we re-convened with church family and friends at CiCi's Pizza on Sunday night to celebrate the man of the hour.  I really didn't feel good, but the thermometer was giving me mixed results before we left, so I went ahead, but I definitely had a fever when we got home.  Yuck.

 The Newlyweds!

 "Fifty is the new thirty."

There were others I didn't snag a picture of...fever fog?...but we were so grateful for those who were able to come and celebrate the beginning of KJ's third decade. 

Last night I set the table with the best china, and we had a dinner party.  It might have been the china...and a sippy cup with a straw or two, but it was all made very elegant by having the Downton Abbey soundtrack playing in the background.

 Happy New Year, and happy birthday, to KJ!