I had an absolutely wonderful day, yesterday! I mean, one’s birthday is usually pretty great, anyway, but it’s extra awesome when it happens to fall on Easter Sunday. We started off the day with truly wonderful worship, reflection & celebration at our church. No greater way to celebrate getting older than being reminded that my Savior is very much risen and ALIVE, and that this fact alone is what shapes every other aspect of my life, and gives me hope for each coming year. (Can I get an “Amen”?!)

I also have to say that Aaron is just amazing. He manages to outdo himself at every birthday or holiday with surprises and sweet, thoughtful gestures – and I couldn’t ask for more! The festivities technically started on Saturday night when I arrived home early for the evening, and I wasn’t allowed in the apartment because he was working on a surprise. Upon entering, I realized there were Easter eggs (26, as it turns out) hidden around the apartment. Yesterday, once I was officially allowed to start searching for and opening them, I discovered that each one had a little note in it stating something that he loves about me (cue the well-deserved “awww”ing).

As I found them, I loaded the eggs into the coffee table centerpiece, and lined all of the notes onto the table itself. It was fun to look at it all laid out. :)

After getting home from church, Aaron sent me off to the bedroom while he prepared a special surprise meal. I felt bad not helping, but it was so fun to see the whole reveal! (I also may have gotten a little antsy and played with Photobooth to document all of my anticipation… ;)

And at last…..the FABULOUS brunch!

He created his own menu and everything! Including spinach/tomato/onion/sausage/fetta quiche (his first time making it and it was DELICIOUS! I LOVE quiche & those are my favorite ingredients for it), whole wheat peach pancakes with a chai syrup (so yummy!), yogurt-dipped strawberries, fruit & yogurt parfaits, & English muffin tomato/ham breakfast pizzas. Everything was seriously tasty!

The best part is that we got to have it all for dinner, too! :D He then presented me with a two-part gift….

My own copy of the Hunger Games (since I mentioned being interested in reading the series this summer) annnd……a cat litter pooper scooper?! I was like, “Umm….ok, cool..?” His reponse? “I’ve paid the pet fee at the new apartment, so all we have to do is pick out a kitten!” AHHH! :D I’m so, so excited. We both love cats and have been wanting to get one, but with apartment fees, it just wasn’t in the budget before. Soooo excited that’s about to change! :D

And alas, no birthday/Easter would be complete without a few official photos, since we were all dressed up.

It was seriously the greatest day I could have asked for. 26 is looking pretty fabulous, already! :) Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, as well! I’m SO grateful and blessed to have so many wonderful friends, and I hope you each had an amazing Easter Sunday, yourselves!