My 31st Birthday.

I turned 31 on July 31st.

My golden birthday.

And, what a birthday it was!

It started at the beginning of that week when my friend Avie told Matt that I needed a "poppin" outfit for my birthday party.

I didn't have time AT ALL to even think about going to the mall to try to find something...my week was super busy.

On Thursday at work, Matt asked Mallory (Avie's SIL) what she was doing that night. When she said she didn't have plans, he asked her if she'd help him find me a "poppin" outfit.

So, they met at the mall a little while later & started searching for an outfit. Our other friend, Drew, was also with them because he had to return a shirt.

They started searching & had several outfits picked out, but couldn't decide on which one to buy.

So...

They called Avie...who, I'm told, got to the mall at the speed of light.

She walked into Forever 21, saw the outfits & I'm told immediately picked out this dress (which was one of the choices) & some cute dangly earrings.

If you know me, you know I don't do dangly earrings. I always thought they didn't look good on me. Matt told Avie that I don't wear dangly earrings, but she said I'd have to for my birthday.

She & Mal also picked out a bangle bracelet to go with my new dress (except that when they told Matt & Drew I needed a bangle, Drew thought they said "bagel").

When Matt got home from the mall, he let me open my gifts & then told me the story about his adventure at the mall with Mal, Avie & Drew.

I heart presents.

Wii Sports Resort. Yay!

My bangle (bagel) bracelets.

The dress.

The earrings.

When I got to work on Friday, this is how my desk looked. After they left the mall, Mallory & Drew came back to work & decorated my desk! Such a nice surprise!

Chelsea, another friend & co-worker, made me some "Chocolate Chip Dip". OMG, y'all...this stuff is GOOOOOOOOOD.

Friday night was my big party! My friends, Matt, my sister & my brother-in-law met at Gusano's for dinner. Avie gave me my birthday present: a yellow purse & cute "R" key chain.

When I opened my present, we realized that several other girls were carrying yellow purses.

PHOTO OP!

My sister & me.

Taking a shot!

After Gusano's, we went to The Attic for some dancing. This is Josh (friend & co-worker) about to take another shot.

What a face!

Josh & Lauren.

Avie & Scooter "breakin' it off" on the dance flo'.

Me & the Jello Shot girl.

Cecillea, Pete, Shannon, Lauren, Courtney & me.

Me, Mallory, Avie & Jessica.

Jessica, Josh & me.

On Saturday, we went to my mother-in-law's house to celebrate my birthday, as well as her birthday! Here we are with our cake as everyone was singing "Happy Birthday" to us.

Make a wish!

Presents!

Yay! MONEY!!

Then, on Sunday night, we went to my mom's house to celebrate my birthday & my brother-in-law's birthday. His birthday is the day before mine!

Blowing out the candle. Can you see Riley in the background trying to blow it out too?

Matt, Riley & me.

My wonderful husband & me.

Presents! A cute purple beaded necklace from my dad & stepmom.

Yay! More presents.

My sister & Matt.

My dad & me.

What a GREAT 31st birthday I had! And, thanks to Avie, I am totally addicted to dangly earrings! In fact, she cleaned out her jewelry box & gave me 19 pairs of earrings!