If you've noticed a strange pattern of "No pictures, no pictures, no pictures, a ton of pictures, no pictures no pictures..." here lately, it's because I'm still in the getting-to-know-you phase with my new camera. It takes a little while. We were experimenting with shutter speeds this morning, catching treats (and cupcakes, as Violet is a cupcake fiend) in the air, and then zooming after a frisbee.

  

Birthday Dinner With My Family

We arrived at my grandparents' apartment for dinner to find my mom and grandmother in the hallway waiting, and the (public) hallway decorated...

Whoa.

Even the ceiling fan was not safe.

At my seat, I found a wand.

Which I made extremely great use of, all night.

Mostly by gesturing and commanding my mother to pay attention to my story about The Bachelor when she was not listening adequately.

My toes are still painted Patriots colors. Whomp whomp.

Wonderful lemon cupcakes. Gramps lights my candles every birthday. #24 was no exception. (Last year he briefly set the cake on fire. He's improved his technique, no cake fires today.)

Birthday card from mom. Absolutely no one but me and her "got it."

Overall, as a family, we laugh a lot.

Someone said "memories," someone else heard "mammaries"...

As you do.

Mom's dog Jack.

I jumped off of the couch, which is why you can see the TV tray through my shoulder. Cool.

Even the front door was decorated.

I love those folks. ♥

Griffin's First Bath

Looked like a hula skirt.

The Collie was watchful as always.