#1964 happy birthday Lizzie!

Back home in SLC after a quick trip to Idaho to celebrate Linda's birthday. Last night we had a big family dinner at Cafe Tuscano in Pocatello. It's an interesting restaurant in that it is attached to a convenience store/gas station. When you walk into the restaurant side of the building, though, the aroma of the food is amazing. We were seated in a lovely dining room that was plenty big for all 16 of us. The meal was delicious and the company was fun. After dinner we went to Kelly's house for dessert and more stories. We had a great time and it was wonderful to see everyone.

Linda's birthday is actually today, November 19. She and my sister are "birthday twins" because Lizzie's birthday is today, too! Last year Lizzie and I were together in New Orleans and we had a blast. We started the day with a wonderful brunch, then went to the Garden District for a walking tour. That night we had dinner at Emeril Lagasse's NOLA. What a great day! Since I couldn't spend the day with Lizzie today, I have picked out a few of my favorite photos of her from the past couple of years from the trips we have taken together.

This photo is one of my all-time favorites. It is her profile pic on my phone because I totally love the expression on her face! It was our first time at 4 Gats in Barcelona and we were completely enchanted by this place. I think her face shows that excitement and joy.

Another photo from Spain - this one in Playa d'Aro the last morning we were in the town. We took a long walk. I have lots of memories of Lizzie in Playa d'Aro.

These next three are from our trip last year to New Orleans.

Having a drink at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Striking a pose at City Park

Looking happy and awesome at her birthday dinner at NOLA

This year she came to take care of me after my knee surgery. I really appreciated her help!

In May we went to Savannah...

From all the pics I chose this one because it made me smile when I saw it. Lizzie is smelling the magnolia blossom. It kind of summarizes the whole Savannah trip where we just soaked that city in.

Then in September Lizzie came with us to the Outer Banks and again, we had a blast!

I am so glad that she came with us to North Carolina. She was my walking buddy and my drinking buddy and my hanging out buddy. Lizzie is kind, thoughtful, caring, intelligent, funny as hell, talented, giving and loving. To watch her come back into her own in the past year has been a beautiful thing to see. She is strong, independent and beautiful inside and out. I could not ask for a better sister or a better friend.

Happy birthday Lizzie! I love you a whole bunch! You are the best!!