Happy Birthday to me

My birthday last week was a delight. I don't remember when I've had such a great celebration.
Pat and I started the day with a 22 mile bike ride, I got a couple of hours of work done (even though I intended to take the day off) and ended the evening with Pat, Kristen, Laura, Mom and sister Jeanie at Royal Taj, our favorite Indian restaurant. Mom and Jeanie had never tasted Indian food and were great sports about trying a new cuisine. They loved it!
The only thing missing was my dad, of course. When I opened the card from my mom, I was bummed. Daddy always drew his little guy saying something cute in our cards and the little guy was missing. I didn't cry or say anything, but I did notice his absence.
Pat insisted I open K & L's gift and card last. They made me a beautiful apron, hand painted with an under sea motif. They even hot glued little shells on it. It's so pretty, I'm afraid to use it, lest I get it dirty.
The best part of the evening was the card they gave me. Laura drew a cartoon in the style of Daddy's little guy. THAT made me cry. It's SO cute and so indicative of how sensitive and sweet my daughters are. If you click on the picture above it'll enlarge so you can see it better.
I am blessed with the best family in the world.