On Sunday April 2, I turned 41 years old. Last year when I turned a milestone 40, my husband threw me the most wonderful surprise birthday party. It was so much fun, that I figured any celebration after that would pale in comparison.

I was totally wrong. This year, even though it was more lo-key, I had a fabulous birthday weekend! I was coming off a week-long family vacation in Mexico and had a really great time celebrating with family and friends.

On Saturday evening, the kids slept over at my moms and we had some friends come over for dessert and wine. We played Cards Against Humanity and laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt. It was followed by a, “who can do the most pull-ups” competition, and then a dance off with Just Dance on the Wii.

The hubby and I ended up going to bed at 2am, after a fun evening.

The next day, my actual birthday, was wonderful as well. It was a beautiful sunny day. We went to my mom’s house where my sister made brunch. I arrived to about 20 signs that he kids had drawn wishing me a happy birthday. They had also spend the morning squeezing 26 oranges so we could have freshly squeezed orange juice.

My sister served brunch which was amazing and I tried my first Gallete. (I should mention that my sister is trained in the culinary arts.)

After that is was off to a birthday experience, indoor rock climbing! Every one tried it out, from my 5 and 7 year old to my mom and aunt who are both over 65.

We squeezed in the kid’s tennis lesson before having dinner with my in-laws that evening.

I went to bed that night really happy to have been able to have such an enjoyable and memorable 41st birthday.