The Sweetest Birthday Gift

My birthday isn't even until tomorrow and already it has been one of the best birthdays.  Ever.

Conor and I celebrated Friday night when he rented a boat to take me out on the river(!).  Easily the sweetest date he's ever planned.  We had dinner served to us on a private little electric boat that we rode up and down the river.  Amazing.  Absolutely beautiful.  To prove it - here are the pictures:

The first hour and a half were amazing.  Just us, uninterrupted conversation, dinner and the sun setting over the city skyline.  The people on the dinner cruise next to us cooed about how cute we were and girls were elbowing their boyfriends/husbands/fiances about what a sweet date we were on.  And then, as usual, we were interrupted by the pitter patter of little feet.  Only this time, they were not feet of cute little children.  I wish they were.  A giant ugly rat climbed out of a little hole on the bow of the boat, ran around and climbed back in.  A big fat river rat.  The cooing from the boat next to us turned into screams and gasps.  "THERE'S A RAT ON YOUR BOAT!"  "And he's not little, he's BIG!"  Thank you.  Thank you people on the boat next to us.
The cruise line offered to comp back our entire rental and meal AND offered us a free rental for up to 10 people next time.  So it all worked out in the end.  But still.  There was a rat on our boat.

On Sunday our family went to my parents' house to celebrate with barbecue and chocolate cake. :)  When we arrived, my sister handed me a card.  In case you didn't know, my sister, Cory, is 19 months older than me and has Down Syndrome. I can't explain to you how special she is to me.  The card Cory handed me is the sweetest gift I've ever received and is what made this the best birthday I've ever had.  I thought you might enjoy reading it as well.

There were tears.  I love her. :)

Here is the text of the letter in case the pictures don't show up:

Tomorrow is your birthday so you are my best sister and a great mother for your kids.  Today, we celebrate your birthday.  God will watch over you every day and every night.  You are my hero and lovable sister.  Happy Birthday Sis.  Cory  

I've never heard anyone who had a sibling with special needs describe it as anything other than a blessing.  And a blessing she is.  I learn so much from Cory and am beyond thankful for her.  Thank you for the card, Cory.  Best. Present. Ever.