Two weekends ago, we had a whirlwind trip to Ottawa to visit with my family for Thanksgiving + to celebrate my 30th Birthday. The weekend went by so incredibly fast and it was full of friends, family, and food–my three favourite things!
Hubs, GBB, and I drove to my hometown late on Friday night + the 5 hr drive went by relatively quick. I spent the ride trying to keep George sleeping and Aaron awake. I was happy to finally get to my mom’s house and go to sleep.
Saturday was pretty relaxed and hubs, GBB, and I went down to the byward market and did some shopping for a new fall jacket for boo (this one which was on sale!) and I bought my favourite hair spritz from lush (seriously this stuff makes me feel so relaxed + beachy! It totally reminds me of our trip to VEGAS a few years back–you can read about our trip here!). We went back home and got GBB down for a nap–well, we actually took a family nap and then we were enroute to my aunt’s for a quick visit before dinner…
That was the plan anyway.
We slept wayyyyyy too long, rushed to my aunt’s house (an hour late!), aaaand my sister had planned a surprise party for me!!!!
A FREAKIN’ SURPRISE PARTY!!!!!
My aunts and uncles and cousins and friends were there! There were balloons and cake and wine.
My mom didn’t go to a two-hour long yoga class. We didn’t have dinner plans. I was TRICKED!
I’ve never had a surprise party + I’m usually sooooo aware when there is something going on but nope! Sister totally surprised me!!!! It was incredible. I walked in and had no idea but then I heard a tiny little voice say “Gorge!” And I immediately thought, “What is Aria doing here?”. I turned the corner and there was my family yelling “Surprise!” and it was awesome!!! I felt awful that I was an hr late–if only I had known, I would’ve been right on time. I would never be late to my own party!! Ha.
(Big HUGS and thanks to Ali and my Aunt Karen for taking some wonderful pictures!)
^ Big thanks to my Auntie Karen for capturing this great shot!
^ My Aunt Karen takes beautiful photos–thank you!
^I can’t.
^ These two make me melt. Aria was telling GBB not to open the door, haha.
Sunday, the 9th, was officially my birthday and we celebrated thanksgiving at my sister’s house and feasted on turkey and stuffing (easily my favourite part of the whole meal!), potatoes and veggies aaaaand PIE. Sadie made a pumpkin pie and a sugar pie–they were delicious. You better believe I ate both. Hey, I’m thirty. I can do what I want ;) I didn’t take any photos at Thanksgiving–I was much too busy enjoying wine and food.
We watched the kiddos play and the JAYS game was on and it was such a relaxing day spent with my fam jam. And the best present ever was the fact that the JAYS swept the Texas rangers in an epic win! It was a great end to a wonderful day!!
We were leaving Monday but decided to visit an apple orchard with the family first. This orchard had loose chickens (which were bobbing all over the place + the incredible fearless kids were picking them up and giving them cuddles!!), family games and kids toys everywhere, and a wagon ride. Oh, and poutine. Mmm.
It was a fun festive morning and although GBB had a very short morning nap, I think he enjoyed himself as much as we did. My one regret is not buying a tub jug of apple cider.
^ GBB and Auntie Sadie are twinsies!
^ This picture is everything. My darling #instagramhusband just wants to enjoy his poutine in peace ha.
We started our drive home from the orchard; we picked up auntie C on the way and off to Toronto we went. We were in the car for almost eight hours. It was insane. Traffic after a long weekend is the worst and George did incredible considering we only stopped once. I was thankful he had a decent nap. This trip home may have been longer than last years but not nearly as traumatic (GBB was not even three months old and he was devastated in the car seat on the way home from Ottawa!!!).
I am happy to be home + getting back into our routine was super needed but our weekend away was a great reminder of the important things in life and helped me put some things in perspective and finesse my goals for my 30th year. So, if you’re interested, I’ve shared a few goals for my 30th year.
30th year goals (in no particular order…)
- get pregnant with #littlerbabybowman [for those that have been following me on IG for awhile (@hollybowmanxo), do you see what I did there? ;) ] hashtag, nerd alert
- practise yoga
- start running (and learn to love it!)
- eat more whole + plant-based foods
- become even more educated on essential oils
- drink more water (this is literally always my goal…)
- drink more green tea (this isn’t hard, it’s super tasty!)
- take more photos with my big girl camera
- finish GBB’s baby book + first year video (both half way done, ugh)
- go on weekly “me” dates, even if only for an hour (I’m looking at you Michaels + Chapters!)
- invest in a sewing machine + learn how to use it (and become a sewing maniac!)
- find a life-work balance (HAHAHA WHAT IS THAT?! Anyone know and care to share?)
- write more, like, a lot more
- host monthly potluck ladies brunch (I had a birthday brunch in the city with my girlfriends on Sunday and it was so wonderful. Nothing beats inspiring ladies, mimosas, and doughnuts!)
- read more often
- finish decorating the top floor of our home
- get bi-monthly massages (I’d love to say monthly, but let’s be real…)
- take a family trip to Cali to see our besties
- become an auntie again to a sweet little girlie (this isn’t a goal so much as it’s happening for sure…I just really can’t wait to meet her!!!!)
My 30th year has started off fabulously + I couldn’t have imagined a better way to kick off this milestone than with my friends and family! Cheers to 30 years!
Do you make goals on your birthday?!
As always, thanks for reading!
XO