Emily's 30th Birthday Weekend

My friend, Emily, is turning 30 on May 23rd. Nick, her husband, has been planning her party for "2 years," he told me. He listens to anything and everything she says and tries to make it happen for her. The thing about Emily is that she really doesn't ask for anything for herself, and this makes them a nice match. So, for her 30th, Nick really went all out. This past Friday night, he rented a stretch Hummer limo to take a few of their close friends to The Melting Pot in Birmingham. She had no idea until it was in her driveway. Emily had mentioned that she'd wanted to go there months ago and Nick remembered. I can really get used to being driven around in a limo, just in case you wondered.

Me, Taylor, Angelle and Emily

Travis and I at the Melting Pot

Nick and Angelle...I'm going to give my opinion on this restaurant now because this is my blog and I can, and I think everyone that went or that has been would agree with me. I would like to save anyone that's considering it: don't waste your money except on dessert. THAT is good. I was smart enough to heed this advice from others beforehand. Travis and I just got entrees' and not the much pricier "big night out," so it was kind of a typical bill for us. But here's the deal on this place: you cook every bit of your own food. I was just thinking about dipping bread into cheese and fruit into chocolates, but no. If you get fillet or lobster, you cook every bit of that. And when I say "cook," I mean dipping it into a boiling...soup? Bouillon? And your table needs to agree on the type they want. How many of you boil your steak? Just a fair warning if you're considering this place. The company was great, and we all had a great time so it didn't matter, but I don't think any of us would ever want to go back.

Me and Jennifer, Emily's sister

Ladies

On the way back home. I enjoyed catching up with these girls sans children.

Nick on the phone trying to appear important

I love this girl. She became one of my first friends here in Alabama when I had none and made it easier to call this place "home."

Rhenda and I: 2 peas in a pod.

The next night was the bigger surprise. Nick had many more friends AND family at Classic (MUUUUCH better restaurant) waiting to surprise her. It was a beautiful night. The food and company was wonderful, and the theme that Nick put together was to make things happen on Emily's bucket list. He had it catered. He had a videographer, a DJ and special videos made for her. He played a video of NYC and a scene from Sex and the City where they walk in the Plaza Hotel because Emily has always wanted to go. And she is. He's paid for her to go for a weekend and stay there. He also had a video with photos of her life, family and friends (including her 24 year old brother that passed away not even 2 years ago) made for her. It was SO sweet to see and be a part of.

I didn't even get my camera out until most people were gone, but I just have to say that me, Emily and Rhenda danced for a good 2 hours. It was SO fun, and I MAY have danced off half of that chocolate that I ate out of the chocolate fountain.

One of Emily's cousins came up to me and said, "I'm sorry if you see me staring at you, but I just LOVE to watch you dance. You just look so carefree! I love it!" HA! Carefree I am, meaning I don't care what I look like. I don't think that I CAN dance, but it doesn't stop me FROM dancing.

Sweet couple. Nick told me that next year's birthday will be a bbq in the backyard. ;)

Still goin'

Me and Nick arguing: what we do best. Fun times had by all!!