We had a week of milestones. My baby turned 10 months and my baby daddy turned 30. The older she gets [and chubbier] the more people comment that she looks like me. I have to laugh – and in their defense she did get her cheeks from yours truly. Poor Beary Sanders…he doesn’t stand a chance in our monthly snapshot anymore.
It was a nearly a full week of celebrating. We had a lot going on including two heartbreaking funeral/wakes and tons of work things to do. My sweet cousin Kelli passed away and I attended a wake for an angel baby, Finn. They both really put things into perspective for me and my little family. I held on to Sloan and Zach a little tighter this week.
Two days before Zach’s birthday I literally couldn’t wait any longer to give him his gift. He had already received his Utah Football tickets as his real gift, but I didn’t want him to have nothing to open on his 30th birthday! So, a few days early, I let Sloan give him his surprise. I still don’t know what it is called – but he was completely shocked when he opened it. He has been wanting one of these self balancing automatic skateboards since he saw Justin Bieber and the Texan’s Brian Cushing cruising around on them.
The two of them spent the evening tearing up our streets. I wish I could have filmed our neighbors staring at Zach as he zoomed by them pushing Sloan in her stroller…
Friday night was the Utah State vs. Utah football game at Rice Eccles. I threatened to wear blue – but Zach told me I couldn’t sit with him if I did. So, out of fairness, I wore neutral gang colors. I support my husband and his Utes, but will always be an Aggie fan!
Saturday I got to see lots of family at Kelli’s viewing. I hate that is was because of such terrible circumstances, but it was great to be with them briefly.
Saturday evening we had our regular date night – but on Zach’s actual birthday. He asked to not break tradition – Benihana and a movie. I’ve celebrated with him for the past 8 years this exact way, and not even for his big 30th Birthday did he wish to break the streak. When we arrived the dinner crowd hadn’t really shown up yet so we sat at a table all by ourselves. Zach would later tell practically everyone he knew that we got a “private table at Benihana” for his birthday. He was as happy as could be with just the two of us celebrating – and other than my entire body smelling like chicken fried rice – I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way either. 
Sunday, even now, was a total blur for me. I had to teach my first Gospel Doctrine lesson that morning – so much of the morning was spent preparing for that and secretly hiding all of the supplies for Zach’s surprise party. I still can’t believe I actually kept it a secret for so long – I’ve never lied to my husband and the whole thing felt like it would eventually blow up in my face at any moment. After church Zach and Sloan played and watched football while I packed all of the gear and food in my car. Luckily Zach is totally in the zone when a game starts so he didn’t even realize I was packing veggie trays, fruit bowls, crock pots, and party decor in and out of the garage for 45 minutes. Then I left with Sloan – claiming to have an appointment to get her pictures taken. I know…that’s the best I came up with. He totally bought it.
Zach was totally surprised when his dad asked him to help him with a problem at the skating rink, he didn’t have a clue until he pulled into the parking lot and saw everyone’s cars in front of the entrance.
I can’t thank my family and friends enough for all the help they were to me to make it happen. We served all of Zach’s favorite things – chips and salsa, popcorn, fruit chew candies, ham fried rice, sushi, rice crispies, peanut butter blossoms, and in lieu of a cake – strawberry cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.
Tons of family and Zach’s friends came all the way up to the Layton skating rink to celebrate with him. That night he told me it was the best birthday he’s ever had. 
Happy 30th birthday, Zach. I can’t wait to spend 30+ more years celebrating you!