To say I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, excitement, and well-wishes over the course of the last couple of days for my birthday would be an understatement. While I had expected calls and texts from my family and closest friends as I entered my forties, what I hadn’t planned on was the volume of messages – including ones from people I hadn’t seen or heard from in what felt like ages – that poured in, and are continuing to be received even as I write this! I’m so touched and so, so grateful. I don’t even think I can convey my gratitude properly here.
It’s been a lot of celebrating and travel over the last 48 hours, and I’m not even close to being done with the partying. This coming weekend, as is tradition with my girlfriends any time there’s a milestone birthday, I’m being taken for an overnight stay at an undisclosed location for a number of planned activities and events that I won’t know anything about until I’m physically there. I’m excited, maybe a little anxious since I have no idea what’s about to happen – but in a really fun way!
In regard to celebrations that have already taken place, my extended birthday weekend began this past Wednesday night when Dan, as an early present, took me on the long drive up to North Woodstock, New Hampshire to see the famous (and seasonal) ice castle displays.
The castles – including explorable tunnels and slides that are all lit up with changing lights and soundtracked with relaxing music – are huge, and made entirely out of ice and snow. It was seriously impressive, and super fun – especially since the slides made you go from 0 to 40MPH in just seconds. I had a blast on those!
There were vendors selling hot drinks, an area for tubing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides to check out. There was also a beautiful trail with an elemental theme that we walked through, but what made the trip all the more fun was that it started snowing heavily while we were there – which only added to the overall splendor of the evening!
Yesterday, for my actual birthday, my mom and I headed up to our beloved Kennebunkport, Maine for a late lunch reservation that was made at Batson River Brewing, specifically so we could eat in the comfort of one of their limited time outdoor “Fish Shacks” they have set up for the Winter – similar to the ski gondola dining experience we had last year!
The shacks were so warm and cozy (and decorated adorably!) Our server was beyond sweet and so attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed while we ate shrimp cocktail, baked haddock, and one of the best buttered lobster rolls I’ve had in a long time.
It was such a great time and definitely worth the trip up North!
Once we made it back to Massachusetts, it was time for cake, candles, and cuddles with Oliver to close out the night – which is the best way to end a birthday, I think.
Today, I’ve got a much-needed spa day ahead of me before the girls come to snatch me up for our weekend away (which may get extended due to the pending blizzard!) I’m sure by next week I’ll have plenty more stories and photos to share, though!
Thank you again to everyone who has reached out, and continues to reach out. It means the world to me!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 