A Simply Happy Birthday

This year, my birthday felt different—and honestly, better than ever—because we had a new little human celebrating with me. Having Madeline there made the day incredibly special and one I’ll always remember.

We started the morning off slow, sleeping in just a bit. Once we were up, I made one of my favorite breakfasts: Eggs Benedict. It’s become one of my signature dishes, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the day. The hollandaise was on point—definitely one of my favorite birthday gifts to myself.

Alison got me with a present: a scuba/octopus-inspired clock. It’s quirky, fun, and fits perfectly in my office. Skylee helped Alison wrap it, and while she wasn’t totally sure about it at first, she decided it suits me. I couldn’t agree more—it’s such a thoughtful and unique gift.

The day continued with one of my favorite traditions: a long walk around Daybreak Lake. The crisp air, the peaceful water, and the time to just talk made it feel perfect. Alison and I reminisced about birthdays past, celebrated what an incredible year this has been, and dreamed together about the future. It’s amazing to think about how much has changed in just one year, and walking with my family—Tex included—felt grounding and full of gratitude.

For dinner, we went to Carvers, a local steakhouse we haven’t visited in years. We’d been talking about it at Thanksgiving, and I had a serious craving for prime rib. Carvers did not disappoint. It was such a treat to have Mads with us at dinner—it’s wild to think this will likely be the case for years to come. She was a champ and let us enjoy the meal together as a family.

After dinner, we headed to the Lantern Festival at the aquarium, which I’d been looking forward to for weeks. It’s a stunning display of nature-inspired lanterns, glowing in vibrant colors and shapes. The artistry and atmosphere were mesmerizing, but the best part was watching Madeline experience it. She was completely captivated by the lights, her little eyes wide with wonder. Seeing her take in the world is pure magic.

The festival ticket also included access to the aquarium, so we took a quick tour inside. We ended up in the shark room, which turned out to be a perfect spot for Alison to feed Mads while we watched sharks glide by. When she was finished eating, I carried her right up to the big tank. She was fascinated, her eyes tracking the sharks as they swam past. Watching her engage with the world around her is such an incredible experience—it makes everything feel new again.

On our way out, I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of stuffed animals for the loft: a penguin and a baby turtle. (Because honestly, can you ever have too many stuffies?) We took one last walk through the lanterns before heading home. Madeline, true to form, leaned back as far as she could in her carrier so she wouldn’t miss a single light. It was ridiculously cute.

This year, my birthday was simple, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I spent the day with the people I love most, doing things that brought us joy. It’s hard to imagine a better way to celebrate.