The Best Birthday

This birthday I felt especially grateful for all my friends and family. I received mail from my family in Utah, my sister in Arizona, and both sets of Grandparents in California. My family is the best! Even though I am so far from home, I was so happy to still feel their love- thank you guys!! It made me miss them, but I will be back to the US in just about a month!

Throughout the entire day, I was blown away by everyone's kindness. After Rusty's morning practice, we went and ate at, Rauhula, our usual lunch spot. The owner/chef brought out a piece of traditional Finnish cake (which was super good), with a candle in it and sung me Happy Birthday. How cute is that?! I was so surprised and appreciative of his thoughtfulness! Later that day, Rusty had a volleyball game. I was soo happy it was here in Oulu! During the game- I think it was in between sets- Seppo, the team helper who is about seventy-years-old, saw me in the crowd and started singing Happy Birthday. It was equally as cute as the chef's song and even made me blush a little haha.

That night, we had a cake party with some of our friends. As I have mentioned before, us "Etta Girls", were pretty good at planning get-togethers. At our soul food night, I mentioned my birthday and just like that, a cake party was planned. So after the game, we grabbed something to eat (we went and got pizza so it would be quick), and then everyone met at our place for the dessert night. Rusty lit 26 candles on the cake, everyone sang Happy Birthday in English and then Finnish, and I even got gifts! We stuffed ourselves with confetti cake, rice krispie cake, cheesecake, and chocolate balls. Soon enough we were all on a sugar high, taking tons of photos, and making a dance video lol. 

We have the greatest friends out here. I am so grateful for all of them. Thank you to all of my friends and family who made it the best birthday ever!   

(Cake at Rauhala)