Seven times five

{my presents to jeff...original encaustic paintings purchased on etsy from newbyart}

Jeff and I turned 35 last week...yes, both of us. We were born four days apart during the same heatwave in the summer of '73. So now, our birthdays are more like a season than a day. I often wonder if the girls will grow up thinking that everyone's mommy and daddy celebrate their birthdays together!

The festivities started last Monday, August 4, for Jeff's big day. I always give him a little "party" for just us and the kid(s) (one more this year than last!) I chose a Hawaiin beach party theme this year, complete with leis for us all and a grass skirt for the birthday boy. The girls got into the action by wearing their bathing suits. Unfortunately, Lucy had a fever all day and was generally punky all around, so she couldn't fully enjoy the party. She put on a brave face and did her best (far be it from her to miss a party) but she kept putting her head down on Jeff or the couch...poor baby! She was right as rain the next day, much to my relief.

{kisses}

{opening presents}

{chipwiches in lieu of cake!}

{bikini girl phoebers}

On Thursday night, I went out with Laura for some much-needed girl time. We got manis and pedis on Beacon Hill and then Laura treated me to a great dinner at Bin 26 (thanks, Laura!). On Friday (my birthday), my parents came to watch the girls and Jeff and I headed out for the afternoon and evening. We started out by getting massages at Exhale (thanks, Mom & Dad!), then got dressed up and went for a drink at the Oak Bar at the Copley Plaza followed by dinner at L'Espalier (thanks, sweetie!). Not a bad way to celebrate, and it eased the blow of turning 35 for sure.

{blowing out candles with lulu}

{posing with fifi, the littlest princess in the land}

{3 generations}

{jeff & me before heading out}

{post-massage, pre-dinner...self-portrait}

{i loved my dress...pretty, flowy, and comfy}

And because I like to look back, here's a photo of us celebrating Jeff's 30th in Madrid:

And mine, four days later, in London (international jet-setters that we are!):

{i love this photo...we displayed it at our wedding. that was another great day...i woke up and went to sleep at the savoy.}