happy birthday, husband

Yesterday was Nathan’s 27th birthday. That sounds a lot closer to 30 than any of our other ages so far. But we’re not scared of 30. Bring it on, 30. (In a few years.)

For his birthday breakfast, I made him this baked French toast from the Pioneer Woman. It did not disappoint. The topping + outside edges were crispy and cinnamony, and the inside was smooth + eggy, like bread pudding (but in a breakfasty way). On an unrelated note, it’s probably not a good idea to stick birthday candles into a piping hot piece of baked French toast. The bottoms of the candles might melt and fill your special breakfast with wax. And then you will be glad that it made 8 servings.

Unfortunately, even on birthdays, there are responsibilities. Zulu got particularly dirty at the park the other day + had been banished to his kennel on the front porch until we had time to bathe him. It’s been getting up to 100 degrees every day, so we couldn’t put off cleaning him up any longer — the poor guy needed some A/C. Eli wasn’t too excited about helping to wash the dog at first:

But he came around eventually and helped his daddy out a little:


Nathan was a little distracted while he was washing the dog … bet you can’t guess who he might be spraying …

Eli got a little pool for Nathan’s birthday and he had a blast splashing around, drinking the water, and doing all the other things he’s not allowed to do in the bathtub.

I was making Nathan’s birthday dinner (steak, corn on the cob, and green beans) and cake while all this was going on, but eventually I let them come back inside:

Eli had to go to bed right after our late dinner, but Nathan and I stayed up to watch a movie and eat this:
Nathan requested a chocolate cake + I remembered seeing this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen. (I’ve made quite a few of her recipes; they’ve always been perfect.) It was delicious + it was fun to make Nathan try to guess the secret ingredient. (Hint: After hearing what was in it, Winston said the cake gave him the hiccups.)

Happy birthday to a truly great husband + friend. I’m not sure why I am putting this message to you on my blog — you rarely read it and NEVER comment (even though you convinced me to start writing it). I love you anyway! :)