Birthday Weekend Wrap Up

Woah. 

So not to 'rinse and repeat' from last week, but I really had honest to goodness intentions of posting this yesterday...

....but I had a case of the sleepies. And after you see this birthday weekend wrap up, you'll understand why. 

Also, just for the record - this weekend made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I have the best group of people EVER in my corner, and I know that as long as I have them, year 28 is going to be juuuuuuust fine :)

The "weekend" kicked off on Wednesday night (my actual birthday was Thursday), with roommate night and a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake. This has been my favorite ice cream cake since I was a kid: mint chocolate chip ice cream with a chocolate cake. Yeah buddy. 

And you know what else we did? We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching episode after episode of Brothers and Sisters. Because that's what 28 year-olds do. They binge watch TV on a "school night" and feel really cool and rebellious.

The next morning, my sweet mama drove up to take me to a birthday brunch and play! We had brunch at Mercat Bistro in downtown Dallas, followed by apartment looking and a little West Village shopping :)

Isn't she the prettiest?! 

OH - and then because I had Baskin Robbins on the brain, we did a little more celebrating. 

With a little more mint chocolate chip.

After my mom left, I got all dolled up for a dinner with my sweet man. He showed up and showered me with flowers, gifts, and pasta. 

Rest assured, no meatballs were thrown at me. I more mean that he took me to an Italian restaurant I've been wanting to try for forever (#gimmeallthenoodles), and boy did we eat our little hearts out. 

I kinda like him a lot :)

Then we had chocolate cake (candle included) and it was the perfect ending to my food coma.

  
No seriously. After an appetizer, pasta, and dessert, the waitress asked me what my plans were for the rest of the night. I quickly replied with "go to bed." :)

I'm a wild and crazy 28 year old, y'all.  

Friday night was a milestone for the family. It was Brooklyn's first dance recital! And let me tell you - my heart all but exploded. I was basically squealing when she was on stage. In fact, the whole family was. We were quite the loud (and proud) obnoxious bunch. 

Seriously - look at this lil bunny. I can't even. 

And now for the post-recital family photo shoot. Because that's just what you do.

We're pretty smitten with this little one :)

 Okay fine. They are too.
Okay fine. We all are!

 Two former dancers and a new one on the horizon!

Saturday morning, my sweet girls and I got together for a little brunch action. We hit one of my favorite spots and ate the heck out of it. Then we went to the rooftop for some mimosas and a Dallas skyline picture :)

Ohmygosh I love these girls so much. 

And then, naturally, we walked down the street to get popsicles. Because once you turn 28, your birthday brunch ends in popsicles. 

By the way, if you're in the Dallas area and haven't tried Steel City Pops over on lower Greenville - you must go soon. It will be your summer go-to.

Whew. Are you tired yet? I'm getting there. But we have to rally. Because Saturday night we had a wedding to attend!

Two of our favorite people from work got hitched on Saturday night, so we celebrated and danced and rang in the newlyweds. 

She made such a classy and beautiful bride! We love you Megan!

My cute and favoritest dancing partner :)

Aaaaand maybe my favorite picture of the night. I love a good glowstick handout at a wedding.

Sunday was FATHER'S DAY, and while we celebrated up right, I'm saving that for another post. Because quite frankly, this one is getting a little lengthy and it deserves its own post. 

But I am glad I postponed this blog post a day, because last night I went over to Lisa's to see her new house, and not only did she make me dinner, but she also got me a birthday cake. Have I mentioned I have the bestest friends? Seriously. The best.

Pardon my appearance. It was a Monday.

And that was the birthday weekend of 28! And I couldn't have asked for more :)

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

#tbt: My Favorite Birthday Party

Today, in honor of birthday month, we're doing a little #tbt action to my favorite birthday party EVER.

No really. Ever.

Like no birthday trumped this birthday. 

My mama has always been a world-class party planner, but on this particular year - she completely outdid herself. 

It was my 17th birthday, the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, and I had zero idea any of it was going to happen. 

Side note: this picture isn't from that year (picture-taking phones and social media were not a thing when I was in high school. We were more of a "internet took up the phone line, AOL instant messenger, Xanga for a blog" type of people). BUT - it's a birthday photo so I thought it would be appropriate for today's post :)

Okay - back to my story. So this particular summer, by birthday fell during Vacation Bible School week. I was helping my mom with the music classes, so I assumed it was going to be like any other day - surrounded by millions of screaming singing children.

The night before, my mom yelled up at me to be ready a little earlier because she wanted to run by and get some Dunkin coffee. #nosurprisethere

So, we get in the car and my mom drives us to McDonald's (I was a huge breakfast burrito fan). So I'm all like, "yo - why are we at McDonald's?" She makes me get out, go inside, and there are two of my closest friends (Collin and Whitney!) waiting at a table. I had a little surprise breakfast! So we ate, talked, and then went to VBS and I didn't think much of anything else...

...Until after VBS when we get back in the car and my mom starts driving some other route home. And every time I asked her where we were going, she didn't say a word. #sneakylilthing

She then dropped me off at a massage clinic, said to check-in because I had an appointment, told me she wouldn't be the one picking me up...and drove off. #bye

After my massage (praise be hallelujah), I walked back out of the clinic and my SISTER picked me up! This was pretty exciting because she wasn't living in Beaumont at the time (she's 9 years older than me) and I had no idea she was in town! She drives me to Jason's Deli (another love of young Katy) for lunch, and when we sit down to eat, my BROTHER walks in to join us! (Also didn't live in Beaumont - 10 years older than me. And yes I was an accident). So all in all - baby sister was on cloud nine. 

After lunch, they told me they were taking me to see a movie that I remember I really wanted to see - but have no idea what it was. Amy - you remember? I feel like it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith. So in hindsight, Allen probably hated his life for two hours.

Anywho, after the movie, my sister took me to the mall where I had an appointment to get a makeover at Clinique. Holler at me girls. How many of you did the makeover thing in high school? And how many of you felt like you were the hottest dish on the buffet when you did? Like people. I was wearing eyeliner. #girlbecomeswoman

After my makeover, Amy told me the whole family was getting together for dinner and I got to pick the place. So, naturally, I picked Logan's Roadhouse (#gimmealltherolls) and we all ate as one big happy family together.

But the night didn't end there. 

We were standing in the parking lot of the restaurant, and my mom asked me what I wanted to do afterwards. Now, I loved bowling (still do), but I still don't know how that woman got me to say I wanted to go bowling that night. But alas, I requested to go to the bowling alley. So, the five of us went bowling. After my first bowl, the bowling alley guy (apologies for not knowing his title) told me I wasn't very good, that I needed the kiddie slide, and to follow him. So, I follow him around the corner of the bowling alley and BAM. 

All of my friends yelled surprise. 

I had a slight heart attack and tears of joy. I was so excited!

So we all filled the lanes and bowled a few games and had a grand ole time. 

But the night didn't end there. 

As we're all taking off our bowling shoes, my mom stands on a chair and yells for everyone to head back to our place. And I'm all like - "say what Mama Reeves?"

So we walk into my house, and it had been COMPLETELY transformed to party central. We're talking decorations, food, an ice cream bar, pool volleyball, a karaoke machine - you name it, it was in our backyard. 

So we played (and sang) like crazy fools all night long.
And I went to sleep that night feeling like the coolest 17-year-old in the world. 

Now like I said, my mom has thrown some killer parties in her day, but this one tops the charts as my favorite. My dad my have lost years on his life (and dollars in the bank) every time my mom said she wanted to throw one - but they were always the talk of the town. I can't wait to throw my kids' parties like she did. With her help, of course. #mompleasehelpmedontleaveme

And there's a little throwback to my very favorite birthday party!

A close second was that time I graduated high school and she turned our entire house into a cruise ship...but that's another post. :)

Happy Thursday everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

BIRTHDAY Weekend Wrap-Up

Y'all sick of my birthday posts yet? I know, I know. Last one. Because okay, I'm a bit exhausted. Prolonging one's birthday celebration takes lots of energy. I have had SUCH a fun-filled and exciting weekend....but I seriously feel like I could sleep for days.

(takes large sip of coffee) Let's recap. 

Thursday night my sweet girl Melissa drove up from Houston for the weekend! She, Kelsey and I went and painted the town red. Mind you, I haven't painted the town anything in what seems like forever, so this is probably why I am so worn out. These girls are pros. Katy is grandma. 

Then Friday after work, Missy and I went to West Village to get our shop on (bought another hat!) and redeem my birthday discount at Kendra Scott. Fun fact: during your birthday month you can get one KS item 50% off. How cool is that?! Just show your ID and bam. Money in your pocket. ...sorta. :)

Love this girl!

On Friday night my girl Lane flew in from New Mexico (don't I have the sweetest friends ever!?) and we all went to Times Ten Cellar. If you like vino and more of a calm, relaxed atmosphere (hey fellow grandmas...) - you have to go here. They have tastings, couches, appetizers, and best of all - you can BYOF (bring your own food). Or you can do what we did and have a pizza delivered.

Saturday morning was BIRTHDAY BRUNCH!!! At Company Cafe, of course. Man. I'm still smiling at the thought of this brunch. There's just something about the majority of your people all hanging out in one place. This girl felt mighty blessed and special.

And for my birthday I requested that I have my picture taken with each individual. Please note the middle picture. Brooklyn wasn't smiling so I had to adapt. Ah, aunt life.

Brookie was super excited to hang out with all the big girls....and then about half an hour in she was over it. I think big girl brunches have far too much talking and far too little play-doh and stickers...

 

 

You know what I also loved about brunch? Babies. There was a 4-month old and an almost-three year old at my birthday brunch. And they just provided so much entertainment.

I think 27 is going to be okay, y'all. 

Plus we got to watch Brooklyn prepare to be a big sister. Watching her gently care for Huck was just too precious!

Saturday night, Jeff and I drove to Fort Worth to be a couple of first-timers at "Concerts in the Garden." And let me tell you this - that will not be our last time. We went with our friends Toby and Chanel, and I will fully give the props to Chanel because this girl was p.r.e.p.a.r.e.d. 

We set up our blankets, unloaded our goods, and just hung out in the Botanic Gardens while the FW Symphony played a tribute to the Eagles. Seriously one of the highlights of the summer for me. Good food, good company, good entertainment, and (surprisingly) good weather! 

Oh and we had light up glow things. You can't have a bad night when light up glow things are involved. 

Wrap the concert up with some fireworks and you have yourself a pretty perfect summer evening. Minus the tree. If we could have just removed that tree....

 

And that was the birthday weekend wrap-up! Yesterday was a simple Sunday of church, work-outs (that was rough), good eating, and loving on my dad. And just like that, we're back to Monday. 

Make it a good one, folks!

Until next time,
Katy

Peek at BIRTHDAY Week!

Today we are taking a peek at birthday week! 

Friday night my sister's family treated me to a Rangers' game to kick off weekend. And it was Baylor night! Sic 'em. 

It was rather windy, you see...

At first Brooklyn was a little skeptical cause the announcer was a bit loud....

But after a few innings she was acting like a Rangers game veteran :) By the end of the game she was munchin on cotton candy and chasing it down with diet coke. Truly her mama's child!

And of course...a seventh inning selfie

Saturday snuggles. It's rough being a pup sometimes, y'all.

Sunday we got to celebrate sweet Nora! We're birthday buddies...just a few years apart :) She is one of the happiest babies I've ever met - but she was a bit perplexed by the smash cake. As you can see...

On Monday I walked to my car after work and found this little note tucked in my door handle. It made me all smiley and blushy and giddy and stuff :)

Monday night, sweet Kelsey made me a homemade birthday eve dinner and completely got me hooked on this season of the Bachelorette. Like I can't wait until next Monday. Guess I can add that to the list of summer TV shows.

Sweet boy was more interested in the people outside than the drama on the television...

And THEN she busted out my favorite ice cream cake in the world!! Baskin Robbins - mint chocolate chip with chocolate cake. Isn't she the best roommate ever? We ate 3/4 of it. Don't even worry about it. That's what is supposed to happen on birthday eve!

Then it was TuesBIRTHDAY! 

Y'all - I was so overwhelmed on Tuesday. Y'all are just the sweetest souls and certainly now how to make a girl feel special, loved, and celebrated! It's quite unfortunate I had to go to work on my birthday, but the sweet messages/flashback photos were quite an appreciated distraction!

After work my sweet man met me at my house for a night out on the town! Which may be an exaggeration as I was exhausted at 10:30 - but we still had a great time! I turned 27 y'all...I'm too old for late nights.

We dined at Savor in Klyde Warren park, and had some of the best calamari we've ever had. As in we're still talking about it. If you've never been there - you must go! All of the walls in the restaurant are made of glass, so you can look out over Klyde Warren/downtown. Incredible atmosphere and delicious food!

After Savor, he took me to Remedy for my beloved dark chocolate ice cream! I have told y'all about this before. I got two scoops. Sure did. It is life-changing. Jeff got S'mores pie and moaned about how good it was between each bite. I think that's enough to say you need to give it a shot. 

And as I'm writing this, I look over and see this view to my right. Birthday girl got pretty roses. He's a keeper :)

 

And that was a peek at the [first half] of birthday week! But alas, the celebrating is not over....my girls are all coming in town this weekend :) 

Until next time,
Katy

{30} Before Thirty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

I turn 27 today. 

(deep breath) 

While that number - for whatever reason - gives me the willies, I love fresh starts, new beginnings, and today is representative of that. 

I'm ALSO excited because today I publish my 30 before 30 list. Thirty things I want to do before I turn 30....exactly three years from today. 

{Courtesies of my incredibly talented bestie, Lisa}

Let me tell ya, this list was tough. Some are pretty easy...some require time and a little more effort. It's hard to {realistically} make a list of things I want to accomplish over the next three years not knowing what those 36 months could hold. And yes, I realize that somewhere along the way life could throw me a curve ball and not all of these will get crossed off. But it's good to have goals, people. 

So here we go! My "30 before 30" List:

1. Write my book

2. Go to Nashville

3. Take a cake decorating class

4. Go dancing at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth 

5. Play one of my original songs on my guitar

6. Make homemade bread

7. Buy something David Yurman

8. See Carrie Underwood in concert....again.

9. Go to a blog conference

10. Cook a rack of lamb

11. Go to 10 baseball games in 10 different out of state stadiums with my dad

12. Go to CMA Fest in Nashville (different from #2)

13. Make chocolate croissants from scratch

14. Have a picnic in the Dallas arboretum

15. Go to movie theater and watch two films back to back

16. See another Broadway show in NYC

17. Visit Charleston, SC

18. Take a photography class

19. Go on a girls trip with mom and sister

20. Refurbish something for the home

21. Travel Overseas (more than once is okay!)

22. Cook an entire holiday meal (Thanksgiving or Christmas)

23. Learn how to do the Dirty Dancing jump

24. Treat my parents to an overly nice dinner

25. Force my immediate family to go on another vacation

26. Take a sabbatical from work
27. Treat myself to a spa day
28. Rewatch the entire 'Brothers & Sisters' Series 
29. Join a small group at church
30. Perform on stage... as much as possible

I'm proud of this list. I put a lot of time and thought into creating it and I'm so excited to execute it. But that will start tomorrow. Today? Well today I'm going to just be happy. And be loved on. And be celebrated. Because today? No one will give me a hard time for wanting to be the center of attention :)

Until next time,
the newly 27-year old,Katy