The McHusband's birthday!

We celebrated the McHusband's 30th birthday on the 26th. The good thing about being born the day after Christmas is that you're typically able to celebrate with family since you're already with them for the holidays. The bad thing is that you're not usually able to celebrate with friends because they're busy with their own families and traditions.

Well, we had the best of both worlds this year: we celebrated with the fam AND friends (and even did some car shopping - and buying! - in between).

We started off the day with a good breakfast. Right, Chase?













(Don't try to say "Grammie" when having your picture taken. It isn't pretty.)

Then it was time to open some presents. The McHusband's ready for our St. Patrick's Day party.













After gifts, everyone but Grammie and Chase left the house. Jenny had errands to run, I met up with Bri, Sam, and Lyla for some shopping, and the guys went to a car dealership to take a look at a car the McDad was considering.

Bri, Sam, Lyla and I had lunch at Zoes Kitchen, which was very tasty. We have one in Raleigh near Cameron Village, and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for some fresh food. Their cole slaw was really good; it had Greek dressing and feta cheese.













Lyla recommends the grilled cheese.













After lunch, we wandered around a couple stores and Sam got friendly with some local wildlife.













Shortly after I got home from my shopping trip, the guys drove in and guess what? The McDad has a new toy!













We went to Maggiano's for dinner that night. Unbeknownst to the McHusband, I'd arranged for some friends to meet us there.

Byron and Lisa













Eric













And Bill and Veerle, who had just gotten engaged a couple days before. Congrats, you guys!













And, of course, the fam.


























Getting the McHusband to smile for real on cue for a picture is next to impossible.

Trying hard and showing too many teeth:













Now he looks like I'm holding a gun to his side under the table and forcing him to smile or else.













It appears he's lost all focus and has his eye on someone's dessert.













NOW he's got the hang of it, I'm losing my smile, and the McMom's practicing her jazz hands in our frame.













Someone get me another Peach Bellini stat!

After dinner, we "kids" went up the street to a restaurant to hang out and visit some more.

And drink. {Hey, I'm just being honest.} No one got out of control or anything. After all, this was a 30th birthday, not a 21st. I think we were home by 11:30. I know, sad, right?

Well, we had fun while it lasted. Thank you, everyone, for celebrating with us.