My Birthday, 2019 Edition...

My birthday fun started out the Thursday prior with my winning a special award at work.  I won Preceptor of the Year for the entire health system.  I was completely shocked and so appreciative that the hospital recognizes all of the hard work I do in training new nurses.  Preceptor means trainer, if you are busy trying to google it.  :)  It is such a great honor.  I have been training new nurses non-stop for the past two years, and while I love it, it is also a lot of hard work.

I was given the honor at a Preceptor conference, which included about 500 preceptors from the health system.  

My unit spoiled me the next day complete with snacks an signs and all types of well wishes.

A urinal makes the best vase!

Two or my babies being silly.  This sums up their personalities perfectly!  These two were the first two nurses that I trained.  I have to say, the three months that I spent with each of these two was definitely the highlight of my career.  We laughed so much during each of their orientations.  I am so happy they are my co-workers!

On Saturday, Ken treated me to a fun night out complete with dinner and cocktails.  Michelle and Rob joined us and we had a great time.

Michelle and me at Farina

Michelle was so sweet and treated me to a bottle of Champagne as a celebration of my award at work.  It was so delicious and such a kind thing to do!

We ended the night with cocktails at Manifesto.

The next day,  our neighbor Kyle came over and brought me a gift.  He surprised me with a painting that he had painted of Theodore.  I instantly burst into tears when I saw it.  It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.  It was so thoughtful.

My little Theodore.  I will treasure this forever.

Thanksgiving 2019...

We spent our Thanksgiving with friends that feel like family, Rob and Michelle.  We had such a great time last year, that we decided a repeat was in order.  The best part about Thanksgiving with Rob and Michelle is that Kya joins us to spend time with her besties!

We started off with the most delicious charcuterie board!  Michelle out did herself!

Louie and Kya.  These two played so much!  Kya somehow kept up with a one year old.  She was so tired when we got home.  It did her so well to play with her besties.

Charlee and Louie excited about Kya spending the day with them!  Louie decided that a stick was the most important part of Thanksgiving.

Michelle and I were excited that Hy-Vee did the cooking for us.  Side note:  I am so thankful for this girl.  She and I laugh so much when we are together.  I feel like I hit the friend jackpot.

Doggies and shenanigans by the boys.  Kya was outside enjoying the super cold day.

There may have been some double-fisting going on.  These bones are too good to pass up!

Sox had a happy thanksgiving in her heated kitty hut.  

We spent the rest of the day enjoying cocktails and watching the Friends Thanksgiving episodes that we have all watched 1000 times, but they never get old!  Thanks to Rob and Michelle for having us over!

Arizona Biltmore...

Back in October, Michelle and I went on a girls' weekend to Arizona to stay at the Biltmore.  Sadly, I think we just now recovered from our shenanigans.  We had a great weekend of laughter and girl time.

So ready for girl time!

Our first stop after checking into the hotel was Postino's Wine Bar.  This is definitely one of my favorite places in Phoenix and I knew Michelle would love it as well.  We were there for Happy Hour, which was probably the first poor decision of the weekend.  Sparkling wine by the glass?  Sparkling wine for $5 per glass?

The bruschetta is absolutely amazing.  

The weather was perfect to sit outside and enjoy some sparkling rose

I am not going to lie, there is a chance we may have been over-served.  

We took an Uber back to the hotel and stopped off for snacks and wine in the lounge we had access to.  After that, we should have stayed in, but we went to the hotel bar where the wheels officially fell off.  Michelle may have gotten lost going to the bathroom and a hotel employee was escorting her back to the hotel when she found me.  She had walked past me for about 30 minutes, but failed to make a turn.  We called it a night shortly after.

We spent the remainder of the next day at the pool enjoying sunshine and frozen drinks.  

You can usually find me at the pool with a frozen drink in my hand.  

We ended the trip with pizza delivery, which was absolutely perfect.  It was such a fun girls' getaway and I am so excited about the next one we have planned!