Modern travel never ceases to amaze me.

Friday afternoon I was thoroughly enjoying a private wine tasting session with David Georges under a long, ivy-covered arbor in the middle of a vineyard in northern California, and not 6 hours later I was stepping off a plane back home in Iowa. I mean, what?!

My disbelief was further heightened by the fact that I randomly ran into my brother in the Pheonix airport on the way home – BAHAHA! I knew he was traveling for work that week, so I wasn’t that freaked out to see him there, but he had no idea I was traveling and was convinced he was on some sort of hidden camera show when I nonchalantly walked up and stood beside him at the gate. Classic.

I can’t wait to tell you more about my whirlwind trip to Flipflop wines’ headquarters later this week!

In other news, Ben and I had a nice, short weekend! We slept in and caught up on some work on Saturday morning, then ventured out later that afternoon to catch What to Expect When You’re Expecting at the movie theater. I LOVED it!

Funny, sweet, and only 70% chick flick, according to Ben. I think he’d appreciate the humor a little bit more if we had kids, but either way – freaking hilarious. I definitely recommend. What I don’t recommend is shelling out $5.75 for a small, under-buttered popcorn at the movie theater. Can I get an Amen?

Anyways, this afternoon my family all gathered at my parent’s house to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. You only turn 50, cough, something once!

My Mom prepared a feast of all his (and my) summer grilling favorites. Their first appearance of the season.

Extra charred beer brats, just the way Dad likes ‘em, Judy’s Baked Beans,

and the best potato salad ever. Ever!

After lunch we opened presents. I get presents?!

You bet! Both my brothers and I ended up getting him something deck related. It’s his favorite place in the house.

Well, besides the hammock.

Cake was next.

You know the kind – our family’s traditional Pepperidge Farms Freezer Cake!

Pretty much!

Finn helped his Papa blow out the candles, then we all dug in.

I know I say this every time, but seriously, best cake out there, and for like, what – $4 or something insane like that?!

Happy birthday Pops!!!

We love you so much!

In other news, we’re taking it easy tonight before the start of a crazy week tomorrow. Might try and squeeze in a walk around the block before the sun goes down, as I have seriously neglected my workout routine this week!

Have a great night!