This year, my birthday felt like a victory. I honestly am grateful for getting another year older. There, where I was told I wouldn’t even make it to this year’s spring. I feel like I defied the odds.

I wanted to celebrate it, big time! But my physical condition at the moment is not so well to say the least. It became a little better after the daily intake of anti-diarrhoeals , but it still isn’t going well.

And with Kuzco his recent surgery, we better should take it slow. So we did.

 

 

But never the less, I had a wonderful birthday! An extended version even.

 

 

The day before, we had a small party together, just the two of us and the doggies. Just like last year, there was Parksessie Velsen, where you could enjoy music and entertainment while sitting in the grass enjoying your own brought picnic.

 

 

So we took our dinner and wine to the park, and had a lovely evening together.

 

 

Ramon decorated the entire house with colorful garlands and balloons for my birthday. I love garlands and balloons, they make me so happy with their bright colors splashing all over the place.

 

 

He even put different kinds of notes saying happy birthday throughout the house. So when I woke up, and did my daily routine, I felt happier with each step I took. My smile went literally from ear to ear, and I believe it stayed there for the entire day.

 

 

My parents, mother in law, sister and my nephew and nieces, all came to celebrate my victory. Everyone wore their best hat, which made it the perfect little party.

 

 

Even my neighbor from downstairs brought beautiful sunflowers in the afternoon, and we drank and toasted a glass of wine together. It really was nice surprise, which made me feel a birthday girl big time.

 

 

I was exhausted, but I didn’t care one bit. Even though some people congratulated me with the emphasis on the excitement that it will be next year soon, to celebrate a very special big 40th birthday, this is my very special birthday. I don’t even know if I will make it to 40. So I really don’t want to focus on next year’s birthday. This one was almost not given, so this year is the most special and happy birthday for me. And I wanted to take it all in.

When my mother asked me what I wanted to have for a birthday gift, I told her I really wanted them to join me for a nice day where would have a drink together. To make some new memories. We set the date two days after my birthday. That way I could rest up from party number one, and prepare for party number two.

 

 

Ramon arranged a whole day of fun and laughter.

 

 

He took us to the cheese market in Edam. I never been to a cheese market before, and I loved it.

 

 

 

We acted like tourist and made pictures of any and everything. And off course we bought a small Edammer cheese.

 

 

We drank a cup of coffee and then we drove to where we would have a lunch together. It was a trip down memory lane for my parents, so while we enjoyed our delicious lunch, stories were told.

 

 

It was the best gift my parents, and especially Ramon, have given me for my very special birthday.

 

 

 

I still haven’t stored the garlands yet. I will wait just as long as the balloons stay full of air. I just love it so much, I don’t want the feeling to end just yet.