28 years young

Apparently, 28 is the best year of your 20s.  Who knew?

I didn't make a big deal of it on here, but I celebrated my 28th birthday last Monday.  It was pretty low-key and I have to say, I sort of enjoyed that part.  We stretched the celebrating out over a few days but no one day was balls-to-the-wall crazy.  The night before my birthday we had our regular Sunday Family dinner with B's side.  They had a cake for me and made one of my favorite meals: steak and mashed potatoes.  I got two amazing cookbooks that I've been eying and a beautiful, thoughtful necklace from my future sister-in-law.

"mrs" necklacke | The Real Girl's Kitchen | Against All Grain

Monday night, my actual birthday, I started my day with a Pure Barre class and ended my day by working the night shift in the ICU.  Most people probably think this would be an awful way to spend a birthday but I really enjoyed my shift.  The staff wished me happy birthday and I got an IV started successfully!

Wednesday we headed to Austin for the Thanksgiving holiday. My brothers were occupied that evening, but I was able to enjoy a wonderful birthday dinner with my parents and my grandmother.  If you're ever in Austin I would highly recommend Spicewood Tavern. It's a great little restaurant in my parent's neighborhood that's relatively new and we've enjoyed a few nights there over the last year.  They usually have live music going and there are always great beers on tap.  B had The Goolsby, a drink made with jalapeno and serrano infused tequila - spicy!

delicious crab fritters

Steak really is my favorite meal.

My parents got me a jacket I had spied a few weeks earlier at J. Crew factory. Despite knowing what I was getting, I was still thrilled! Sadly, it was 65 degrees in Austin and it's been even warmer in Houston so I haven't yet had a chance to wear it. On the upside, we're supposed to get pretty chilly this weekend and I'm itching to wear this beauty!

B had told me that my gift still hadn't arrived, but when I came back to town on Monday it was here! He surprised me with a gorgeous watch I've been drooling over for months.  Between getting to spend time with family, loving my nursing program, and getting to marry the man of my dreams in a few months, I'd say that 28 is going to be a wonderful year for me.  The gifts I was spoiled with were just icing on the cake.

xoxo,

Cait