My 32nd Birthday/Post Deployment Trip to VH

Well, my 32nd birthday turned out differently than planned, per usual! While in the past, all my original birthday plans were changed by hurricanes, a blood clot, hip surgery, and other catastrophes surrounding September 1, this one changed for the better! Shane came home from deployment a few months early due to his dad's passing, so the trip that I planned to take to Vernon Hills (my hometown) solo, turned into the whole family being able to join.

Cash loves him some Vernon Hills...anything that will entertain him is golden for us!

I love my husband's super close knit relationship with my parents. My dad and him were working on the dishes together this night.

We were able to get together with some of my best friends from childhood...and meet Anne's adorable baby, Quinn!

My mom stayed at home on dog duty.

Later that day, we were able to go visit another childhood bestie and her cute daughter, Emmy! We always are so grateful for the time we get to spend together.

Sam is always so thoughtful and great about showing how she cares; she surprised us with lots of g-free treats as well as some balloons and flowers to welcome Shane home from deployment!

Our lifelong neighbors, the Emerys, rented a boat on my birthday and invited us to join. It was a perfect day for it!

Such a perfect way to celebrate my 32nd. I love being on a boat! Our time with the Emery's is always hilarious- rehashing all of our childhood memories and chaos.

So many laughs were had, for sure!

When we got home, Shane and I went for a bike ride- one of our favorite things to do in VH or really anywhere we travel, for that matter. Before that, we saw that Mrs. Earhart decorated my parents' house to surprise me for my birthday. Only she would think of a Flat Stanley (inside joke from years ago!) sign and decor.

Then we cleaned up and headed out to my birthday dinner at Jameson's Steakhouse. I think that's the name? VH people, help me out here! It was SO good.

We came back to celebrate with some g-free cupcakes and gifts.

The next day, we got to meet up with another childhood bestie, Mere, and her adorable son Price!

Shane and Price were definitely besties.

Later on that trip, I somehow got roped into going along golfing with the family while Cher stayed home to man the dogs.

Whenever she is visiting or we are there, she walks the dogs over and over and over and over. Usually I join her for these walks, but sometimes I take a break. After all, we have to walk them 2x a day EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

The trip home is always full of lots and lots of Portillo's- especially whenever Brian and Shane get their way.

C&C cozy up on my childhood bedroom floor with us each night, sleeping on my childhood sleeping bag. Caylor only lasts a few minutes before jumping up on the bed to sleep with us like she does at home. Unfortunately, my bed there is NOT as big as our bed in NC, so it makes for some cramped quarters.

From not a dog person to fully obsessed...

As always, we made time to head to the Earhart's (for a time or two!)

Cash and Caylor love to play with Ellie and Michael.

We celebrated my birthday together with amazing gluten-free cake!

We also had Aunt Sue come over for dinner and games. Have you ever played Ticket to Ride? It's our very FAVORITE!

We were able to attend Brian and Kiersten Emery's wedding, which was a blast!

The Birmingham neighbor kids that spent 99% of our time growing up together. Those were the days...and we reflect upon that all the time. So many memories. We swear we had the best childhood of anyone, so grateful!