Yesterday we got to celebrate the most important man in the house; Bryan. Bryan’s birthday may have not been all pleasantries for him workwise but after he was able to put work aside he went on a solo bike ride around Mercer Island (our favorite ride) while I finished preparations for his birthday dinner. Billy, Valerie and their two girls were able to join us for a birthday dinner for Bryan featuring seafood and Italian food and it was absolutely wonderful to have them over again. I haven’t done many “fancy” dinners lately so it was really fun coming up with the menu featuring things I know Bryan would like and executing them and we ended up with one big spread. Bryan’s Italian dinner menu:
- Caprese with heirloom tomatoes and fresh local mozzarella
- Green salad with apples, pecans, and gorgonzola
- Pasta carbonara
- Grilled salmon with pesto cream sauce and grilled asparagus
- Pan seared jumbo scallops
- Bread and butter
- Chocolate whiskey cake with chocolate chips and a salted caramel whiskey cream cheese frosting
- Vanilla ice cream
We enjoyed dinner outside and then moved dessert inside. Reese’s enthusiasm for the entire night was out of control. She is sandwiched in age by the two girls, one having just turned 5 and one having just turned 2 and so they both knew how to play with Reese. It was pretty entertaining to see and when our guests left at just about 10 pm Reese was finally EXHAUSTED. We were able to catch up with Billy and Valerie and just really enjoy their company. It was a great night and I am just still so appreciative that this year we are able to reunite with friends, see people indoors, and share food with those we care about.
Following up on Bryan’s birthday, we are looking at doing a hike at Mt. Rainier tomorrow. Reese has been asking to ride in Daddy’s backpack and thinks that will be fun and we have yet to do a hike this year. It’s ironically about the same time in my pregnancy as I hiked with Bryan and his intern at Lake Twenty Two, when I was 22 weeks pregnant. I will be 21 weeks pregnant Monday and feeling good so now is the time to get a hike in under our belt!
Happy Birthday Bryan. We love you each and every day.
Chelsea
Evolving in the Emerald City 