Hawks, Happy, Hawaii

This last week has been incredibly full and wonderful. Full of Christmas cheer and birthday adventures. Full of friends and family. Full of good food and sweets. Full of random experiences and wonder. Full of affirmation and blessing. I am blessed. And very thankful.


In honour of my birthday last week, a hawk flew into the window and sacrificed its life so I could freeze it. Maybe I will get it stuffed?


Adri was daring enough to pick it up. Ewww... And just for the record, we are freezing to death in this photo, but the excitement of finding a random dead animal on the porch is enough warmth in the moment I suppose...


I have incredibly classy friends...


Have I ever mentioned that my mom is wonderful? She cooked a dinner on my behalf with some friends. And it was perhaps the tastiest thing ever. Yum. Best steak ever. And wonderful company.


The eve before my birthday, I hosted an ugly Christmas sweater party. i have always wanted to have one, so here was my chance! I was quite impressed with people's creativity! Had about 30 people throughout the evening stop in-how wonderful.








Cheri was kind enough to buy me some festive birthday/Christmassy balloons! Fun! I dont' think anyone has ever bought me balloons on my birthday. Once again, I am incredibly blessed.





And here I laughing uncontrollably. I think this was perhaps my third try at blowing out all the candles. And I failed miserably. And here I thought I had strong lungs. Apparently not. Or perhaps just a lot of boys lining up at my door for this next year.


My 26th year began wonderfully, surrounded my friends and those I love and by being reminded of how loved and blessed I am. I have to say, this past year, my 25th was probably my most favourite year of my life so far. It had its hard moments, but overall it was filled with wonderful things and a lot of learning, change and growth. Filled with seeing some incredible places and with random adventures. Filled with meeting new people and building the friendships I already have. Filled with gaining greater appreciation for the people around me. What a wonderful year this has been. And I have a hunch that the 26th year may be even better {although I can't even imagine that at this point...}








And a photo below celebrating the engagement of two of my dear friends, who just returned from Hawaii! So excited for them to get married! And next year, theirs will be my one and only wedding {so far}, which is like a miracle in itself, because for the last 10 years I have been averaging 10-12 weddings a year. My life will perhaps feel a little empty. Maybe I"ll just have to get married to balance out the 12 weddings I won't go to. Haha... Riiight.


Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas week and are enjoying the holidays with loved ones. More of Christmas soon to come!