40 YEARS

Turning 40 was no small thing for this woman. I have looked forward to this birthday for a long time ... and hoped to make it sentimental and special. With my wonderful husband, we came up with the perfect plan.

Tuscany, a wonderful restaurant in Salt Lake, is a place where Eric and I spent quite a few of our dating hours --- many moons ago. Today, our children joined us for a very sentimental birthday dinner. It was so fun to share this place with them. On the drive to the restaurant, we had a social etiquette conversation that was a blast. The kids knew way more than we thought. The refresher course really paid off though. These kids were GREAT! I'm so proud of them. It was especially fun to watch my kids enjoy a few firsts. 

Having a beautiful family is, by far, the greatest gift of a 40-year-old woman!

We sure missed Ryan and know that, although his body was in Peru, his heart was with us tonight.

Deb Dowdle, on her 40th Birthday (I can't believe I just typed that!)

We had all finished ordering ... except Autumn. New menus take time for this girl! We sat, and sat ... and finally she settled on an oven hearth pizza. When she found out she could choose her toppings, we waited some more. It was actually pretty cute. 

One of the firsts we mentioned, a Calamari appetizer. Autumn liked it. Cody did too ... because he didn't know better. Shawn and Joey tolerated it ... the thought of squid being a little much for them.

A family .... ready to order!

Eric has been so wonderful though everything. He's been 24/7 busy with work and yet found the time to plan a special dinner party for his wife. What a stud. I'm so grateful to him!

Keeping Cody entertained while the food was coming

The salad course ... found in Dad and Daughter teeth. Ewwwww

Shawn and Joey toast the completion of the salads with great anticipation for the entree.

"Mom, my salad's gone and I'm ready to eat the good food."

Cody starts taking random shots with the camera.

Cody was active, but so cute. I loved watching him try to stay in his chair throughout the night. He actually did really well.

FOOD! Autumn was very happy with her hearth pizza.

Daddy got the signature pork chop ... that Autumn helped him polish off.

Shawn, less willing to risk, ordered spaghetti and meatballs (the size of a baby's head). Mom and Joey got a Venetian beef and polenta meal. Very good!

Lots of Cody/Mom shots.

Me and my Shawnie.

Autumn fit in very well with this sophisticated climate. She's such a classy little dame.

... with a spicy weird side as well!

Everybody was done with their entrees and ready for birthday dessert ... except Joey. Autumn reverted to threats.

Shawn joined his sister in hurrying the boy along but Joey seemed quite content at enjoying his food slowly. Good food (especially mashed potatoes) is the fastest path to Joey's heart.

Cody loves goofy pictures. He grabbed every opportunity he could.

My little boy looks like a spring flower tonight. What a cute little nut!

Finally!  Dessert! We shared three with everyone (but Shawn -- a bit of a germaphobe). I got my chocolate birthday cake as well as creme brulee and banana cream pie. Oh my goodness .... yummy!

My wish? To be surrounded by family on my eightieth birthday, forty years from now.

What a great evening. I couldn't have planned it better myself. Thanks Sweetie for making it such a special night.

Turning 40 is a great day to start the first day of the rest of my life. I anticipate the next chapter to be wonderful as we raise our children, achieve our goals, and settle into becoming grandparents eventually. What a gift a family is! 

A very special day.