I am three years older than when we arrived in Germany.

I had an extra treat during my 2010 birthday lunch when I received a Breaking News e-mail that Will & Kate were officially engaged. So nice of them to consider me when making their big announcement!

Later that night, I hosted bunco – the invitation asked everyone to wear a hat. Karin taunted me with a homemade cap featuring my nemesis, Tom Brady:

Thirteen fabulous ladies in this photo – and just two years later, Jen and I are the only ones who still live on our street. Thankfully, Kirsten is a short drive away and Tricia can get here in two hours.

And for the record, Tricia was the big winner that night:

For last year’s birthday, Jen and I road tripped to Tricia’s for the weekend:

Lee and I figured out we could carry pilsner glasses in our coat pockets.

Yesterday was a great day – Heather and Josuha delivered this:

Jen, Kirsten, and a new friend, Chris, indulged me and a good time was had by all at The Irish Pub:

And at the end of the night? As we walked through the Wiesbaden Marktplatz under the recently erected and not yet lit Christmas Tree? We figured out that the electric box was unlocked. And for a few minutes, just for my birthday…

We turned it back off before we left.

Here’s to another year full of love, laughs, and adventures!