25th Birthday Celebrations
Today’s tidbit: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” — George Bernard Shaw
TWENTY-FIVE?! Between all of the changes that have been going on + knowing I was about to be 25, I felt like I was having a quarter life crisis! I started reflecting on everything, all of the ups and downs, that have made me who I am now. I started thinking about how far I have come and how much more I still want to learn, grow and change. All the things I want to experience. All the places I want to travel. A friend recently posted this blog article, which I found appropriate. Check it out: 25 Things I Want Myself to Know at 25
August 16th was a wonderful day though and I was be able to spend it with my twin, Allie making it extra special. The day was full of surprises + Great Falls adventures (seeing my horse, Bailey + picnic + hiking) + exploring Annapolis (dinner + waterfront) + dessert & present goodies.
Sneak peek image: Surprise birthday brunch from my lovely boyfriend! Napa is calling
Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!
Where to begin? Most of the reflecting I will mention in my next blog post which focuses on moving + my new house. That really closed the chapter on where I had been living for the last 25 years and everything that was familiar.
The last few years I have been celebrating my actual birthday with friends + my boyfriend, and celebrating a family birthday later. Remember my 24th birthday? This year was a little crazy because the moving truck was coming 2 DAYS after! I decided to keep it low key and spend the day with family. My brother graduated and while he interviews for jobs is staying at the new house in Maryland as well. My twin, who’s in medical school, was able to get some days off and came up. It was really special to be able to spend the day with my dad, sister, brother and boyfriend… that hasn’t happened in years. Although we missed my mom, her and I have a REALLY special trip planned for September (details coming soon)
And speaking of birthdays, wishing my Aunt Kathy in New York a very Happy Birthday today!
Getting it started… August 15th turned to August 16th, ready with a drink at midnight to kick off our 25th birthday!
Balloons. After a surprise brunch, the day started with Allie and I opening the door to find my dad walking up the pipestem with balloons. We were about to head to Great Falls so it was perfect timing, and I had my camera in hand.
The barn + Bailey. We could not have asked for a more perfect day and wanted to spend as much time as we could outside! Luckily for us, even though it was on a Friday we were able to do this. Allie and I decided to spend the afternoon together in Great Falls. Our first stop was seeing this guy, remember Bailey? Even though I don’t own him anymore, there is still something so comforting about being at the barn and with Bailey. It is a feeling I can’t describe and that will never go away!
After some pony kisses we introduced Sammy to Bailey, my two boys. Sammy was not so amused by this big thing!
Great Falls Park. After the barn we headed to Great Falls Park, which is right down the road from Bailey. Allie and I enjoyed a picnic complete with chicken salads, fruit, crackers + cheese and mini wine bottles. Continuing with the beautiful day we took Sammy on a little hike. I enjoy hiking in the woods there while the rushing rapids flow nearby.
Sammy was very happy to lick the empty goat cheese wrapper.
Evening outfit. After a wonderful day in Great Falls, Allie and I headed over to the new house in Maryland to meet everyone, drop Sammy off and get ready. I finally got to wear my favorite wedges and new dress!
Downtown Annapolis. After a delicious dinner out we wandered along the water front. I hadn’t been there in so long, but downtown annapolis reminds me a lot of Old Town Alexandria. It is so charming and beautiful along the water. Now that I live close by, I feel a photo shoot in the future!
Dessert. After a wonderful evening in Annapolis, we headed back to the new house for some bubbly and dessert. John discovered Sprinkles in Georgetown last year and surprised me with my favorite (gluten-free) red velvet cupcakes again. The one time of year I eat them is my birthday and I thoroughly enjoyed these! Sammy even got his own cupcake again too.
Present goodies (a few). Remember my post on Allie’s bachelorette party, part 2 from last week? I love Polka-Dotted Flamingo and had way too much fun at the store when we were in North Carolina. Come to find out, Allie got me some of the jewelry I liked for my birthday. Isn’t it fabulous?
Now THAT was a wonderful birthday + Friday!
As I mentioned, since it was so close to moving day I spent my actual birthday with family. This past weekend John planned a mini friend birthday celebration/double date night to a rooftop bar I have been wanting to go to, P.O.V Rooftop Lounge at W. It was insane! From the views, dancing and drinks to the lighting and little details I had an amazing night! Highly recommend checking it out.
It’s days like this that allow me to reflect and be so incredibly thankful for all the friendships and wonderful family I have. Each of you plays a big role in who I am today! Here’s to the next 25 years, full of new experiences and change 🙂
You covered the day so well, Happy Birthday Lyssy! I like the stump as a table top idea you guys had there, looks like a nice tasty picnic. Sammy doesn’t look happy with Bailey, good thing you made up for it with his cupcake later!
Great pics! Love Bailey and the banana as well as all your detailed close-up shots… it’s like I WAS THERE with you! So fun!!! Let’s have a photo field trip some time ok?
Thanks! Sammy wasn’t too happy but Bailey liked him, and loves his bananas! His little treat. It was a great birthday 🙂 And yes, lets do a photo day soon!!
Love your photography! Love the pictures of your gorgeous family. All of you are just such pretty people!
Bailey hasn’t changed a bit!
Aw, thanks so much Jana! And yes, Bailey is still the same adorable pony!
You have grown into quite a wonderful, special, beautiful person and are so gifted and talented with your photos. Keep seeking new adventures, skills and above all make many memories with your family and friends they will be with you forever! I am so proud of you! Always LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE!
Thanks so much, Aunt Kathy! That’s really sweet and means a lot!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday! 🙂
LOVE IT!! The pictures from POV are awesome. Such a fun night!
I’m glad you had a great birthday!!! We’ll have to do a girls night when you get back from your trip. Hurry though, it’s been too long since we’ve hung out!
Thank you! It was a nice day! We will definitely have to get together when I get back from Africa, it has been too long and I know Sammy is missing Jax!
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