26th Birthday

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I recently celebrated a birthday.  26.  I'm coming to grips with the very real fact that I am now in my mid to late 20's instead of just my mid 20's.  It dawned on me that I am no longer looking forward to getting older, in fact I am dreading it.  Getting older- BOO!  I want to stay 26 forever.  I do NOT want to enter the world of late 20's and definitely NEVER want to turn 30.  

Despite my angst for getting older, we still partied like it was 1999 (when I was 13) and celebrated what is-- my life.  The celebration started on Monday when we did a little sightseeing (my fav)  and shopping (ok, my actual fav).  We went to the George Washington Masonic Memorial right here in Alexandria.  We drive by this spectacular building all the time, I can't believe we've never been in.  

Well it was worth the wait!  Here's some of my favorite shots from the day:

Such a beautiful building!

Daniel's contractual family pose

Daniel's contractual offspring pose

Daniel's hero, George Washington (no contract for a pose with him!)

It was so fun to see Logan toddling around such a beautiful building

The view from the top.  I live here, really?  Don't pinch me, please!

Anyway- it was such a fun day!  And if you ever go, please, Please, PLEASE do yourself a favor and pay the extra $3 to take the guided tour.  You'll be glad you did!

The party continued Wednesday (my actual birthday) when we had dinner and cake.  The inspiration for my cake came from this beauty:

Isn't it cute??  Well here's my "version":

It's not too cute, I'm over it!  Can you even tell that the bottom layer is a darker shade of pink?  Whatever, Pinterest wins again.  

One hidden treasure of this cake though - dairy and egg free!!  It's so simple to do!  Take a regular cake mix, instead of eggs, substitute 1/4 cup applesauce for each egg! And for the frosting, take your favorite frosting recipe and instead of using butter, use Earth Balance Spread.  And vuala!  Logan can eat my birthday cake!  

And he did...

And he loved it!

And it was a GREAT birthday!

**My post was originally supposed to end here, but then Daniel surprised me with a fun dinner with friends last night.  He is so thoughtful, and it was great to have dinner with our wonderful friends we've made here in Virginia.  It really was a GREAT birthday!**