On Friday, February 27, 2009 I turned 21. I also finished my first semester of nursing school. And I also was blessed with the most amazing surprises I could ever imagine. My 21st birthday was the best one I have ever had, and even ranks up there with one of the best days of my life so far! Just because it was perfect. :)
My day began with the best breakfast ever--Honey Bunches of Oats with bananas, and a BIG, strong cup of coffee. It doesn't get better than that in my terms of breakfast :)
I was then off to school for my Final exam for Nursing Assessment, where I had to do a full body assessment on a classmate. I was shooken up with nerves being my week was needless to say...crazy. However, it went really well--as I entered the test with an odd feeling of calm. Success!
After my test, I headed home and was expecting to come home to an empty house. However, I was surprised as I walked in the door and Ryan had skipped his classes, stayed home and cleaned the house, baked a cake, and bought me balloons. I was overjoyed with surprise! And he even caught the moment with the camera.....
We then put on our workout clothes, and headed out for a beautiful 15 mile bike ride down Old Spanish Trail.
After showering, we headed downtown for a light lunch. We had lunch out on the patio at the Frog N Firkin, and I ordered my first beer. They didn't card me! (Devastating...I know...) On the way home from lunch, I had to stop at the Wells Fargo I used to work at. I had told my old manager that I was going to be stopping by. The team had gone out and bought me a GIANT bday card that sang "Margaritaville", and it was very thoughtful :)
The afternoon of fun passed, I got all dolled up for an evening out, and Ryan and I headed out for a night at Kon Tiki to celebrate my birthday. On the way to the restaurant, I called my mom to chat. She sounded awkwardly happy and excited to be in North Dakota in February--but I just figured she was sending her bday greetings and love my way through cheer. After hanging out, I felt a sad when she said "Have fun tonight...we sure wish we could celebrate it with you....." :(
We arrived at the restuarant, and headed back to our reserved table. In my double take, I realized that my MOM AND DAD were sitting at the table!!! I screamed in joy and surprise! I had absolutely NO IDEA my mom and dad were in Tucson, and had surprised me by flying down for my birthday!! Ryan and them had been making plans for the past month--and I had NO CLUE IN THE WORLD. It meant so much to me to have them there!
Chris and Lora joined us (Ryan's Dad and step mom) soon after, which was great since we haven't seen them in a LONG time due to crazy crazy schedules! It was so wonderful to have all family together.
We ordered my 1st drink.....which I wish I would've never ordered it. It was called a Scorpion. It's a Hawaiian drink with like EVERY HARD LIQUOR in the bar, mixed with fruitiness. After about 4 sips I was feeling the effects.
My friends Erica and Jasmine from nursing school joined us with party hats, and several favors to decorate me up for the night. We had made plans to go out on the town after dinner....unfortunately--I didn't make it that far....
After our delicious seafood dinner, tropical drinks, and fun laughter and visiting...we lit the candles for the bday cake Ryan baked. It is amazing my hair didn't start on fire in this process......
My stories got louder, and louder, and louder as the evening went on. Until about 9:30 when a bouncer pulled me to the front and kicked us out of the restaurant!!!! Nothing like getting kicked out of a bar with your entire family at hand from telling stories too loud!!
I was in bed by 10:00 pm on my birthday. I guess that just goes to show how much of a party animal I'm not and how much alcohol I CAN'T tolerate! However, it was a wonderful evening. It seriously couldn't have been better! I had the best fiance ever, wonderful family, and great friends with me--and I truly couldn't ask for more!
My day began with the best breakfast ever--Honey Bunches of Oats with bananas, and a BIG, strong cup of coffee. It doesn't get better than that in my terms of breakfast :)
I was then off to school for my Final exam for Nursing Assessment, where I had to do a full body assessment on a classmate. I was shooken up with nerves being my week was needless to say...crazy. However, it went really well--as I entered the test with an odd feeling of calm. Success!After my test, I headed home and was expecting to come home to an empty house. However, I was surprised as I walked in the door and Ryan had skipped his classes, stayed home and cleaned the house, baked a cake, and bought me balloons. I was overjoyed with surprise! And he even caught the moment with the camera.....
We then put on our workout clothes, and headed out for a beautiful 15 mile bike ride down Old Spanish Trail.
After showering, we headed downtown for a light lunch. We had lunch out on the patio at the Frog N Firkin, and I ordered my first beer. They didn't card me! (Devastating...I know...) On the way home from lunch, I had to stop at the Wells Fargo I used to work at. I had told my old manager that I was going to be stopping by. The team had gone out and bought me a GIANT bday card that sang "Margaritaville", and it was very thoughtful :)
The afternoon of fun passed, I got all dolled up for an evening out, and Ryan and I headed out for a night at Kon Tiki to celebrate my birthday. On the way to the restaurant, I called my mom to chat. She sounded awkwardly happy and excited to be in North Dakota in February--but I just figured she was sending her bday greetings and love my way through cheer. After hanging out, I felt a sad when she said "Have fun tonight...we sure wish we could celebrate it with you....." :(
We arrived at the restuarant, and headed back to our reserved table. In my double take, I realized that my MOM AND DAD were sitting at the table!!! I screamed in joy and surprise! I had absolutely NO IDEA my mom and dad were in Tucson, and had surprised me by flying down for my birthday!! Ryan and them had been making plans for the past month--and I had NO CLUE IN THE WORLD. It meant so much to me to have them there!
Chris and Lora joined us (Ryan's Dad and step mom) soon after, which was great since we haven't seen them in a LONG time due to crazy crazy schedules! It was so wonderful to have all family together.
We ordered my 1st drink.....which I wish I would've never ordered it. It was called a Scorpion. It's a Hawaiian drink with like EVERY HARD LIQUOR in the bar, mixed with fruitiness. After about 4 sips I was feeling the effects.
My friends Erica and Jasmine from nursing school joined us with party hats, and several favors to decorate me up for the night. We had made plans to go out on the town after dinner....unfortunately--I didn't make it that far....
After our delicious seafood dinner, tropical drinks, and fun laughter and visiting...we lit the candles for the bday cake Ryan baked. It is amazing my hair didn't start on fire in this process......
My stories got louder, and louder, and louder as the evening went on. Until about 9:30 when a bouncer pulled me to the front and kicked us out of the restaurant!!!! Nothing like getting kicked out of a bar with your entire family at hand from telling stories too loud!!
I was in bed by 10:00 pm on my birthday. I guess that just goes to show how much of a party animal I'm not and how much alcohol I CAN'T tolerate! However, it was a wonderful evening. It seriously couldn't have been better! I had the best fiance ever, wonderful family, and great friends with me--and I truly couldn't ask for more!
Comments
Jan
We look forward to celebrating many more joyous occasions with you and your parents.
We love you!
Chris and Lora
It looks like you had so much fun. And you know how our family loves to tell stories! Glad you had such a wonderful night!
It was such an awesome surprise and wonderful birthday gift for Abby, I am so glad that they made the trip. Looking forward to meeting the rest of the Dotzenrods!