a perfect birthday

I had a perfect birthday from start to finish, including the rose-flavored cupcakes I made the night before (I'll share my recipe soon). Matthias and I both had the day off and the weather was amazing.

Took the boys to Holden Arboretum in the morning to see the magnolia collection in bloom.

Ate lots of good food and finally visited the tea shop/gift shop/artist's studio that we've driven by again and again.

It's only about 2 miles from our house and I can't believe it took us this long to actually go there. I'm already dreaming of my next visit. The setting is beautiful and the food (and tea) was yummy, too.

We sat outside on a patio behind the house.

There were gardens and interesting sculptures everywhere.

I'm sure it's even more beautiful when it's spring and summer for real.

We also walked around the Botanical Gardens.

The herb garden and rose garden are my favorite parts, but I also enjoyed visiting the fish in the children's garden.

And seeing all the butterflies in the glasshouse.

I wish I could have gotten a shot of the Blue Morphos with their wings opened up, but I was too slow with my camera (phone) and they were hungry.

Sunshine, flowers, good food. All. Day. Long. I took oodles of pictures. Walked and walked. Found inspiration everywhere and thoroughly enjoyed myself. No wonder I'm having a hard time going back to "normal" life today.

Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. On my blog, in email, on Facebook and in more old fashioned ways, too. All those birthday wishes brought me such Joy!