Feeling 22!!

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22! That song was stuck in my head all day last wednesday because..... I'm finally 22 and able to really sing that song!

So birthdays are a really big deal in my family and I have to admit I was nervous that my 22nd birthday would be pretty lame. First I'm on the opposite side of the country from my family and I wasn't able to celebrate in person with them, second I had to work all day, and third because Clark wasn't sure if he would be able to get the evening off. Despite all that, I had a FANTASTIC birthday.

It started the day before my birthday when some of my sweet girlfriends took met up for a birthday dinner! It was so fun for us all to get together, and they were so darling - they surprised me with a cake and a card! They even sang happy birthday to me. I have the best girlfriends in the world! And I love that so many of them are living out here in NYC with me.

Lauren was a sweetheart and snagged this pic for us! 

And thanks to a kind random lady in the park we got a group photo!! 

Then it was my birthday!!! One of my favorite things about birthdays is all the sweet messages I got from friends telling me they were thinking about me and that I'm important to them! I felt so celebrated all day. It's good to be loved! 

And I felt like a million bucks when this GORGEOUS floral arrangement showed up at my work office! And because the flowers were so lovely, everyone in my office asked me what they were for, and wished me a happy birthday! Way to go Clark for providing the perfect "new office icebreaker"! 

And as if sending me that gorgeous bouquet and making my day at work so great wasn't enough, Clark took me out to an amazing Italian restaurant for a birthday dinner. The restaurant, Asellina, is listed as the top Italian restaurant in NYC! He totally spoiled me!

Super blurry pic of us at our table. But I kind of love it! 

There we are! Clark got their herb-crusted steak, with grilled asparagus and a vegetable medley. I got their brazino - talk about a burst of flavor! And we got their brocoli rabe and parmesan fries as sides.  Overall it was one of the best and most flavor packed dinners ever! 

And they even surprised me with a delicious birthday tiramisu!

After dinner Clark and I went back to our apartment to skype with my family and open some gifts! My parents got me a 50mm lens for my camera - incredible! I am so excited to learn how to use it and improve my meager photography skills. And I got so many sweet cards from friends and family. It was the best. Makes me so grateful to have so many marvelous people in my life!

And I'm totally feeling 22! :)