On Mother's Day I turned twenty-two!
It was absolutely my favorite birthday yet.
My sweet boyfriend Ben had a lot to do with that. Somehow he was able to keep perfect secret plans and presents from me for weeks, and I'm so happy he did.
We started off the weekend with a trip to the Public Market to get fruits and veggies for our BBQ.
The night before my birthday I was lucky enough to have a backyard full of friends, beautiful weather, and a table full of delicious, grilled food.
The next morning I woke up to the sweetest presents from Ben.
The last record I needed to complete my collection of Madeline vinyl!
Ben thrifted this box (which was originally lined with a bright pink fabric), and re-lined it with a vintage sheet we thrifted a while ago. It's so beautiful. I haven't decided what to keep in it, but it's definitely one of my new favorite things.
I will be sharing more on this later, but a few days after my birthday my big present arrived in the mail. Ben contacted Abi from Vanilla & Lace to make a dress for me. It's beautiful and I can't wait to share it!
We started our morning at my stepmom (Linda) and dad's house for a family brunch.
It was great! My stepsister Aubrey was sweet enough to paint my nails for me while we were there, and I got nice gifts. A scarf from my grandma and these shoes and glass water bottle (from Modcloth) from Linda and my dad!
After brunch, we were on our way! I still didn't know where we were going. Ben had just told me to keep the day free. We listened to my Spring Mix on our drive and not too long after I figured out where we were going. My favorite place - Green Lakes State Park!
Once we got there Ben took out a cooler the he borrowed from my dad and we grabbed the blanket from my car for a late-afternoon picnic.
This was without a doubt the best picnic I've ever had.
It was complete with: lunch from my new favorite restaurant (OpenFace), The Beatles, gorgeous weather, a warm & shady spot with a soft breeze, and my favorite person who planned the whole thing. I'm still amazed.
After lazing about and enjoying the surroundings for a while we went for a walk along the lake.
I was tired and happy and told Ben I was ready to go home. He asked if we could go sit on a bench on the other side of the lake before we left. So we sat and I just looked toward the end of lake with my heart overflowing. Feeling just so content and in awe of the beauty around us.
Out of nowhere my brother wraps me in a hug and yells "Banner!" (my nickname). I turn around and my family was there! I was completely shocked. My two brothers and my mom were suddenly with me on my birthday.
I didn't think I'd be able to see my mom on mother's day. I was bummed about it because I was born on mother's day, and it just didn't feel right. And then there she was.
Earlier that day I had asked Ben if we could stop at my grandma's house if we had time (she lives nearby). He said he just wanted to go home. Little did I know he had my family meet us at the park so we could all visit my grandmother together.
My mom gave me beautiful gifts. A vintage wooden ironing board, shoes, and lace tablecloth.
I didn't think my day could get any better, but it just kept happening, and it was all thanks to Ben and my wonderful family.
Dress: Cactus Flower (I got it in Bloomington,IN while we were on tour!)
Bow Belt: Vanilla & Lace
Shoes: Modcloth
