Our first event in the new house was a big one! We celebrated Courtney's 30th Birthday with a backyard BBQ bash! It was unusually warm weather for November, but it was perfect! Friday evening was a little pre-party planning evening and Sharon & Jim (Courtney's parents), Brandi, Erin, Courtney, and I all spent a little time in the kitchen preparing for the feast for Saturday. Saturday was crazy as Erin and I ran errands (picking up cupcakes, kegs, etc.) and the rest of the clan was finishing up the prep work. Yes, Courtney cooked for her own party! :-) You all know she wouldn't have it any other way!!!

A HUGE thanks to each of them for helping me put together the finishing touches on the house at the last minute. Literally the couch and bedroom furniture were delivered on Saturday morning. I wish you could've seen the house on Friday night and then the transformation Courtney performed. It was amazing!

We had a great turnout for the party. Anywhere from 40-50 people throughout the evening. We had tons of food, drinks, and fun! The best part was surprising Courtney with her birthday DVD. Erin and I were sneaky and collected pictures from the past & present, birthday wishes from friends and family, and friendship quotes and compiled all of that into a DVD celebrating the first 30 years of Courtney's life. We gathered everyone together for a champagne toast and the unveiling of the DVD. There were some great pics that brought many laughs (the head gear, brown hair. . .) and even some super sweet moments that brought a few tears!

Basically we ate, drank, ate some more, and drank some more! I finally had to kick out the last guests at 4am!!!! I realized I'm definitely old. . .I can no longer hang until 4am!

Thanks to all of you who helped make Courtney's 30th Birthday one she'll never forget!