Joel's Birthday Extravaganza

I'm really into celebrating Joel's birthday. Maybe it's because I am obsessed with him? Or because I think he deserves like 20 million birthdays a year? Whatever the reason December 5th calls for quite the celebration, and celebrate we did! I started by making this Happy Birthday banner and having it hung one night when Joel got off work, I let him notice it on his own and it really set the tone for the rest of his birthday weekend/week. I decided Birthday banners are going to be a thing in the Hendi house, it's the perfect way to subtly celebrate throughout the week. Saturday morning we had a quaint little breakfast with Joel's whole family after we took family pictures. Joel got lots of birthday hugs and kisses from the neice and nephews.

Then Sunday evening we had a great dinner out with my family at Joel's restaurant of choice, Cornish Pasty Co., of course. My family/Joel's favorite part was all of the specific cards they got to pick out for him that said things like "nephew", "son-in-law", or "brother-in-law" because this was the first time they'd gotten to look in those card sections. Oh it's the little things in life.

After dinner we went back to our place where the rest of the fam (i.e. friends that ARE family) was waiting for a little dessert get-together. I slaved over this Snickerdoodle cake that has been a favorite of Joel's for a few years now. I made it a while back when we had first started dating and completely messed it up, but Joel still LOVED it (or at least that's what he told me) and requested it AGAIN a year or so later. So I made it again and STILL messed it up, this cake is tricky, but again he loved it and ranted and raved. Needless to say I was more than reluctant to give this cake one last shot but I knew it'd make the perfect birthday cake for Joel and he'd be so so happy if I made it. So I faced my fears and attempted one last time. And I must say I do not believe there was one thing wrong with it! All of our guests ate it right up and one guest in particular (I won't name names, Amy) texted me and said she was dreaming about it : ) We had such a good time chatting and laughing with everyone and Joel was severely embarrassed I made everyone sing to him... mission accomplished.

Part III of Joel's Birthday Extravaganza was some good old fashioned quality one-on-one time, just me and my man. We went to the Arrogant Butcher downtown and dined like kings. We had plans to go ice skating at Cityscape (WILL do this this season, Jamie & Mel) but by the time we got out there and saw it was practically a middle school social we decided to forego the ice skating this time. Instead we walked around listening to Christmas music taking in a calm and peaceful night together. I LOVE this man of mine and every second I get to spend with him is a good one, no matter what we are doing.

All in all I'd say this was quite the birthday for my Mr. H. I kind of feel like it was my birthday too. Seeing Joel so loved on and valued by people just warms my heart, which is why I said I think we need to celebrate his birthday 20 million times a year. Thank you to all of our friends & family near & far who make Joel feel special not just on his birthday but many days. This is one happy birthday boy and one happy wife : )