Imitation and flattery

This is a happy birthday post to my sweet, amazing husband. Have I mentioned lately how awesome he is?! I chose a few photos from our travels where Jacob is having fun with statues. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Happy Birthday, Jacob!!

London fun

Saturday we had a fun day in London with Jacob's coworkers Marcia and Becky and Becky's husband Mike.

We ate an incredible lunch at Barraco Cafe, a Brazilian restaurant Jacob found online. He introduced us to Brazilian dishes he loved in Brazil. My favourite was the Coxinha de Galinha (left), a doughy, breaded ball filled with wonderfully seasoned chicken.

Becky, Mike and Jacob saw Lion King, which Marcia and I saw last year together. Marcia and I saw Oliver in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Jacob said he was entertained by Lion King but felt it was designed for a juvenile audience, and he wasn't impressed by the talent of the performers. (He'll always maintain that nothing compares to Les Miserables on the West End.) On the other hand, I was MASSIVELY impressed by Oliver and found the talent --really everything about the production--to be top-notch. The kids in the show were especially fabulous.

After the shows we stopped at the Primrose Bakery to eat some delicious cupcakes. Jacob and I shared a lemon one and a chocolate one (left). We love living so close to London!

Eating pigeon

Friday night we had a delicious dinner at The Alma restaurant in Chelmsford with our friends Hannah and Jordon. Our meals were yummy--Jacob ate pork and I ate lamb. But the real story is what we had as a starter: pigeon breast. We were surprised at how delicious it was! Not only are we glad we tried it, we'd actually have it again.
(Jacob is talking about setting traps in our garden to catch some...)

A Birthday Post

(Disclaimer: I'm not posting about my birthday in order to solicit birthday wishes or to draw attention to myself. I'm purposely posting at the very end of the day and focusing on other people...)

It was a great birthday, mostly because my husband is so amazing. He made this gorgeous birthday cake (with zero help decorating!) and grilled the most delicious burgers for a small gathering of friends. Thank you, Sweet Jacob!

My first birthday greeting came this morning from my brother-in-law Joel, whose email said "We would have sent you a card, but let's be honest, that primitive practice will end within 5 years--we are ahead of the curve." I love it! An email is great with me. :)

I want to thank all of you who wished me a happy birthday on my birthday; those wishes really mean a lot. My Dad's email was sweet, he said "I remember how cute you were the day you were born. You were so pink and puffy and small."

Another email I awoke to was from my Mom, who also informed me that I share a birthday with Michelle Obama!! I'm thrilled.

Lurpak

Part of the fun of living in England is the TV. More specifically, the advertising. This advert is for a brand of butter, Lurpak, that our (American) friend Robyn insists is the best thing ever. This ad is Jacob's all-time favourite.

2009: The Numbers

Countries visited: 15 (counting the USA, but not England)
visits to Germany: 4

Rachel's visits to Paris: 3

Jacob's visits to Paris: 0

Continents visited: 4

Number of times Jacob ate Schweinehaxe (pork knuckle): 5

Bodies of water we've been in or on: 15+

Degrees earned: 1 Master's degree (congratulations to Jacob!)

Visitors from the USA: 6

Stage productions seen: 4

In-person sightings of genuinely famous people: 3

Castles visited: at least 18

Camel rides: 1