Melissa's 22nd Birthday

I  absolutely love birthdays! It doesn't matter who's birthday it is I just love them! This year I turned 22! I can't say that without immediately breaking into song in my head, or even out loud for that matter. Taylor Swift oh how I love you and your cheesy yet applicable song lyrics. 

I am so blessed to have my family so close to me, I feel like I say that all the time but I really mean it. 

The week before my birthday the Larson's had a nice dinner, presents, and cake for me and it was wonderful. I am so grateful to have such amazing in-laws. Huge shout out to Nancy and her amazing cooking skills because dinner was delicious. Blake's family always makes me feel so welcome and loved. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures while we were there, but it really did happen I promise. 

The day before my birthday my immediate family came over to my home for dinner, and to celebrate the birth of Matthew and I. It was so good to have them over! 

After dinner, Matthew and I blew out the candles on our cake very ceremoniously. Matthew had a nice carrot cake while I went with my traditional JELL-O cheese cake from a box. You will not find better cheese cake around! 

We made our wishes and blew out our candles. Well actually only Matt blew his out, and only he will get his wish. It took me a lot more blows to get my candles out. I could have sworn they were trick candles but I guess I am just not very talented in the blowing candles out department.

Moments after the above picture was taken Matt tried to help me blow my last candle out, being the good twin that he is, and by switching his cake to one hand, accidentally launched it up in the air. By some miracle he caught the cake and only managed to spray nuts around on the carpet. It was one of the more comedic things to happen that night. 

We then opened presents. My family was so thoughtful and kind I was so grateful for everything I got. 

Matt has had, oh I don't even know how many pairs of Adidas Samba shoes. He has a tradition of wearing them down till there are holes and then he will get a new pair. When he opened one of his presents it was a shoe box, and he was so so excited because he thought he would be getting a new pair of his beloved shoes. 

When he opened the box there lay an old pair. My parents said they found them in the closet and thought he could get a few more months out of them. Even though there was a huge hole in one of the shoes. After laughing about it my dad pulled out a brand new pair and Matt was thrilled.

One of my favorite things about getting together with the family is seeing my cute niece and nephew. Lydia was constantly moving but I managed to snag this picture of her. It is a little blurry around her edges, like I said hard to keep her still. She is talking so much now and she is the politest little girl I ever did meet. I had a blast building block towers with her. 

Austin is 2 months old now! What?!? When did that happen. Shan dressed him up in the little onesie tie I gave her at her baby shower. He looked so handsome! 

I am very grateful that I have so many people around me that always make me feel so loved. I can't imagine a better life.

Before they all left, I made everyone take pictures, because come on, it is for posterity! We missed you Jenna and Kevin!