But I don't look a day over 26, right?

Today I turned 27. TWENTY SEVEN! I'm practically 40! Where did the years go? Actually, I have no problem getting older. Each year has it's ups and downs, but I truly feel like every year gets better than the last, and I really do look forward to each new year of life. This year is no exception. Westin is turning into such a little boy (where did my baby go?) and brings such joy to my life. It's so exciting to see what he learns everyday. And Ryan is wrapping up work and we're both eager for b-school to start this fall. We're also planning a little summer getaway for the two of us in celebration of our 5-year anniversary coming up later this month.

As for this weekend - we had a great time. I couldn't have been happier to get back Friday and see my boys. Ryan is feeling much better and Westin is at least an inch taller ;)

Friday was a busy day. Returning from a trip (of any kind), always is. Part of my day included baking a birthday cake. Since it was my birthday and I was making the cake... I just put two of my favorite things together for absolute taste bud bliss... chocolate and peanut butter. I did a devil's food cake with a few chocolate chips and peanut butter frosting.

A look at the layers

Tasting the frosting

(Seriously, not sure I even need the cake. A spoon and that frosting were enough for me and W)

The final product

That night we had some friends over for pizza and the Lakers' game. I attempted to get a family picture, but trying to get Westin to pose for a picture these days is about as easy as getting Kobe Bryant to pass the ball in a tie game with 10 seconds left. W sees the camera and just wants to look at the pictures on the screen. He seriously starts to go nuts the second the camera comes out.

First attempt

And now here I am trying to distract Westin and make him laugh. I'd dip him and then pull him up real quick for the picture.

This is the best we could do

Scott, Mandy and W

During the game, the boys started a little game of "H-O-R-S-E", using Westin's Fisher Price basketball hoop. Ladies, take note, this was a huge hit. You may want to consider investing in one for your significant other.

It was pretty entertaining watching these guys shoot the ball from all over our tiny apartment.

Ryan came in a close second, but couldn't quite pull of the win at the end. Sorry, babe.

Westin was pretty excited to see his friend Makayla...

and to show Krissy where her ears were.

Auntie Mandy and the kiddos

Krissy and Brad

Ryan, very carefully lighting the candles (what the picture does not show: 2 seconds later Mandy and I had to step in and get the job done because Ryan was having issues and kept getting wax all over the place - but nice try, babe)

Mandy and me - I promise, we did not call each other to plan our outfits... but had we still been in 2nd grade and it was "twin day," we sooo would have been awesome!

The next morning I had a nice run around Brentwood and then headed to my future sister-in-law's bridal shower while Westin and Ryan hung out with the Kavanaghs. Shalice will be getting married to Ryan's older brother, Trevor, in a few weeks. We're all very excited for the them and thrilled to have Shalice in the family.

A snapshot of some of the decorations

Shalice and me

After the bridal shower, I drove up to Moorpark to meet up with the gang. Ryan and Westin had spent the afternoon playing ping-pong and hanging out at the park with BreAnne, Trev and Nate. When I arrived, we did some shopping and dining, and then headed back to their place to get the boys to bed and watch a movie.

Before going to bed, the little ones apparently needed to get out a little more energy... so Nate decided it was time to wrestle.

Boys will be boys

Ryan also started playing around with the kids. Westin loves playing hide and go seek with the blanket...

Nate... not so much...

Going on just an hour nap and being an hour past bedtime, this kid was still a little ball of nonstop energy.

This is usually what Westin looks like halfway through the process of getting him dressed. He just takes off running the second he gets a chance. (Yes, those are Santa pj's, and yes, it's May).

And for my actual birthday today, we had a lovely morning at church, followed by a fun afternoon with Ryan's family in Valencia. Trying, yet again, to get a picture with Westin. Can't help but love this kid.

I have a WONDERFUL life.