my 26th birthday

I'm 26 and tired!!

It has been such a fun day, probably one of my best birthdays ever (though I think I say that every year!). Ben did a great job of spoiling and wearing me out today!!

First, we woke up at about 8 and hung out for a bit. We got ready and when I walked into the kitchen to leave, I saw this:A new mountain bike! I was already kind of aware that this was going to be my present, but it was still a fun surprise! I got right on and it is the perfect fit!I found out it was a present from Ben, my mom, and my other great mom and dad Hubert. Thanks!!! My plan for tomorrow is to go for a nice ride.

After I played with my bike for a bit, we got in the car and onto the freeway. Halfway through the drive, Ben said I had to close my eyes because he wanted to surprise me, so I obliged. I got totally lost and confused and nearly fell asleep, the ride was soothing.

And then we stopped. At Ruth's Diner up Immigration Canyon. (Side note: Ben took me to Ruth's Diner on our first date in high school, junior homecoming dance, and we've been talking about going back forever, it's really yummy!) We had a great breakfast in the fun little diner. I got SO stuffed!

Next we drove to a tattoo parlor. And Ben wanted to go in to get tattoos. But we didn't because I got a stomach ache thinking about it. So don't worry, mom, no tattoo for me.

I wanted to walk around at Gateway, so we went to some really fun shops there (my new favorite: Urban Outfitters). We stopped at Barnes and Noble, the Apple Store, and Dick's Sporting Goods. I got some new biking gloves that match my bike.

We had talked about going to a movie, but Ben steered me in the Sanctuary Day Spa and I ended up getting treated to a manicure. It was pure HEAVEN. I decided that I need to treat myself to something like that every month because it's really relaxing and feels great. (shhh...don't tell, Ben got a pedicure and loved every stinkin' minute!)

After the spa, we went to see Kung-Fu Panda, the new animated movie. It was darling. Jack Black was hilarious. "Skedoosh!"

We decided to invite Ben's parents to dinner and I decided I wanted to go The Cheesecake Factory, which opened here recently. It was great. I had an awesome pizza. Then we ordered cheesecake. I got a peanut butter cup cheesecake with caramel and butterfingers. It was amazing. The waiters/waitress' sang to me:





And then I stuffed my face.
We just got home and I'm looking forward to getting into my pj's and relaxing the last hours of my day away. Thanks to all the birthday wishes!!! I love you all!