Happy 30th Blair!

This past weekend, I traveled up to Boston to help my good friend Blair celebrate her 30th birthday in style! We had a blast! Her mom and brother and another good friend, Allison, came up from Miami and there were a lot of Boston friends to her celebrate on Saturday night at Sonsie on Newbury Street.

The festivities started on Thursday evening with a yummy dinner at the Top of the Hub, the restaurant at the top of the Prudential building. The 360 degree views of Boston were awesome and the food was really good!

Friday, we went to see the Shephard Fairey exhibit at the ICA--he's a well-known Boston street artist who did the iconic Obama poster that you saw everywhere during his campaign. Then, during lunch at the Barking Crab, where I had steamers for the first time, we stumbled upon a stroke of genius! We decided to go see Dirty Dancing on stage. Anyone who knows me know I freaking love that movie and have been dying to see it! It was very similar to the movie, but not quite as awesome, but still a good time.

One of Fairey's numerous stickers around Boston

Saturday we had a late lunch, then grabbed balloons and cake and headed over to Sonsie to decorate and setup. Lots of Blair's friends showed up and a good time was had by all!

Yummy cake with awesome candles I got for Blair (please note the awesome "30" confetti on the tables. I LOVE confetti.)

Sunday was major recovery day, we ordered some yummy Thai food, then it was off to bed for my majorly early flight on Monday morning!

Jonathan and Blair

From left, Blair, me, Allison, Cheri, David (Blair's brother)

Happy 2nd Birthday Frank!

Today is Bella's good friend Frank's 2nd birthday! A few months ago, we had the pleasure of pupsitting for Frank while his parents were off playing. Here's a picture of the good friends behind our puppy gate!

Happy 1st Birthday Bella!

Sunday was Bella's 1st birthday! We unfortunately didn't have a puppy party for her, a) because she really only knows 2-3 dogs, and b) because we have no backyard. So we decided to celebrate alone and make hamburgers and cupcakes in honor of our favorite pooch. I also bought her a cute furry pink hat that says "I'm one" which did not please her. But it made for a cute picture!

Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!

Happy Birthday Chin Strap!!

Happy "Big One" to my favorite wearer of Chin Straps and deserter of Northern VA, Caryn! We miss you and wish we were celebrating with you! Hope you have a wonderful start to your 30s!

Congratulations to the Nilsens!

A few big events have taken place that require I resurface from the Land of Non-Bloggery. The Essamas good friends Rachel and Henrik tied the knot on January 23rd in New York, to be followed by a larger celebration on Long Island in October. We are so happy for them and welcome them to the wonderful world of marriage!

Grattis Nilsens!

Big Day!!

Today is a day of firsts in the Essama household! I signed up for my first 10 mile race, the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, which is taking place in DC on Sunday, April 5th, 2009! I am really excited about it but also pretty nervous because I really haven't run since the wedding. But I'm excited to start up again and hopefully I'll be in tip top shape for all the weddings this spring! :-)

Today is also Bella's first day of doggie day care!! Thanks to her friend Frank for the referral, hopefully she will be a tired, happy puppy at the end of the day!

Happy Birthday Mommy-o!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!! Thank you for everything you do for me (which I know I don't always thank you for!) You're the best!

We're going to chow on some sushi later and maybe get crazy and go see a movie. :-)

PS: Bella also thanks you for all the times you take care of her when her mom and dad aren't around!