When Jimmy and I started dating his birthday was a common topic of conversation because it was coming up. He shares a birthday with his dad and has never felt like he has had a birthday that was just about him! I decided this year to make that change by doing something special.

I tried to get a bunch of people our age to hang out and have fun that weekend since I was going to be house sitting for a family friend. It was a great idea and I was so excited to do it as a surprise! Well despite all of my efforts, people had summer vacations and what not already planned. He kept telling me not to worry about doing anything, that he hated surprises and that he didn't want anything for his birthday. Him telling me this just made me want to do something special, EVEN MORE!

I decided to invite my sisters, his sisters and his best friend Hunter and his wife. Along the way it turned in to both families getting together for a surprise BBQ the day after his birthday...I was very nervous because this was a big deal! I prepared all day by buying the needed food and gifts and preparing the house and food. When it was time for everyone to come over I was evern more nervous than before. I left to pick Jimmy up while his family arrived.

We walked in the house to a room full of his family and my family talking and laughing amoungst themselves.

I had asked Courtney to make a cake as her part of it all and she gladly accepted. It was a beautiful chocolate cake just for Jimmy! She even went the extra mile and made a fruity cake for those who arent big fans of chocolate.

We sang Happy Birthday and watched as the Birthday Boy blew out ALL 22 candles :)

Despite all my nervousness, the night went great! We had plenty of food for everyone and we all enjoyed each other's company. Some stories were swapped that maybe Jimmy and I were not really prepared for but it was all still VERY fun!!!!