Happy Birthday Cat

I just love it when each of my friends has the wonderful opportunity of joining us in the 27 year-old club. It's a great club to be a part of, but I just cringe to think that in only 3 years it will be the 30 year-old club. You know what, forget I said that ladies :)

On Friday night we celebrated Caitlyn's birthday with a delicious dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It's always a nightmare to get in there with a large group, but the Baja chicken tacos are oh so worth it!

I just want to take a minute to tell my dear friend Caitlyn how much I love her. Cat has an amazing sense of humor, she's the best running partner ever, a true friend and an incredible mommy to little Diem. Thanks for everything Cat - Love you so much!

Here's a picture of my favorite ladies (minus poor Amber who is on strict bed rest and our Chicagoan, Alex). I have great friends :) Thanks for a wonderful night ladies. 

TRADITION, tradition

I think I officially became an Ingebrigtsen last night. Erik and his siblings have been requesting a TRUE Norwegian dinner that their grandma used to make. I'm so sad that both of his grandparents passed away before I could meet them, but they left a lot of Norwegian tradition and pride behind with their posterity. One of those traditions was the meal we shared last night with a VERY specific menu, which consisted of:

Cauliflower Soup

Kjottkaker (meat cakes)

Boiled Potatoes (with gravey or melted butter)

Corn

Oranges

Peas (affectionately called "bullets" by Frank's family)

Mac and Cheese (this was an addition for their grandchildren, once they came to America)

Norwegian waffles for dessert

I must say it was delicious! And it was so fun to learn more about their Norwegian traditions and Frank's family. I love my new last name and the flavor it's added to my life :)

We also all dressed the part. Erik's grandma made all of these sweaters, which I think is amazing!

I loved hearing more about Frank's family and the country of Norway. I hope I can see it myself one day, I've heard it's one of the most beautiful places on earth.

So, here's to TRADITION! Thank you Barb and Frank for the cultural experience and delicious food.

Tubing at Soldier Hollow

As a Christmas present this year, Erik's parents took us all tubing at Soldier Hollow. If you've never done this, I highly recommend it. You don't have to hassle with bringing your own tube and you don't have to hike up any hills :) It's just one fun ride after another! I'm not big on activities that involve snow, but this was great. Thanks Frank and Barb!

Here's an action shot, about to head down the hill.

The hill wasn't super extreme, we connected our tubes and Erik was able to take this picture about half way down the hill. It was super fun though!

On one run we made a train of 7 people and realized that's the way to pick up speed. We ended up running into the fence at the bottom, but all came away unscratched. 

Thanks for a great night Ingebrigtsens!

Birthday

As many of you know I can be a real party pooper when it comes to my birthday. Being born on New Year's eve does have its benefits, like the fact that there's usually no school or work. However, I've always felt that this birthday would be more suited for someone who loves to party and stay up late, for obvious reasons. As my husband has discovered, I don't fit either of those descriptions. But, despite my attitude in the past, I have to say my birthday this year was quite lovely - if you ignore how disgustingly old I am :) On my actual birthday we went to dinner at the Bombay House with my entire family sans children. Luckily everyone enjoyed the Indian food, even the skeptics. 

On Saturday, my sweet husband who knows me so well, took his party pooper wife on the perfect surprise date. After a delicious dinner at Squatters in Park City, he totally shocked me with a night at the the Mountain Side Marriott. It was perfect! The room was awesome and they have amazing hot tubs that are connected with mini waterfalls. 

Thank you Erik! You couldn't have planned a better birthday surprise. I love you!

Princess & the Frog

Over the holiday weekend we went on a little girl's date to the new Disney Movie The Princess & The Frog. Before the movie we had a true princess style lunch at McDonalds :) 

I love my cute nieces. It was so fun to spend the afternoon with them and it's always fun when it's just the girls.

It was a cute movie and enjoyed by everyone. Thanks for a fun outing girls!