I Might Be 25, But On My Birthday I Felt 16 Again.

I’ve lived 25 long years. I can’t believe it.

I’ve never been one to think on my birthday too much, but for some reason, this birthday has really got me taking a deeper look into my life. I can’t believe that I’ve lived a quarter of a century. I honestly feel old - I know everyone says that, but for me, I officially can say it’s true.

That said, despite being more pensive than ever, I’m still grateful for my big day this year because it was, without question, one of the best days of my entire year. And definitely the best birthday I’ve ever had the pleasure of celebrating - thanks in large part to my one and only.

The day started out with me popping into work for a few hours to get some things done before I ventured west to my home city for the celebrations to begin. My work friends had a few little lovely trinkets and decorations waiting for me at my desk. I was really impressed by how well they know me!

A big thank you to everyone at on the Jaguar Land Rover team for the gifts and positive vibes. I honest and truly was dreading this day for some time, but coming into work did bring a little more joy to my most-dreaded morning, and I’m forever grateful for giving me a reason to smile.

Mid-day I was greeted by my darling in his chariot and he swept me away to Grand Rapids for a night on the town. Admittedly, I did cry birthday tears for nearly the whole two-hour journey, but he was sweet and kept reminding me that turning 25 was a brilliant thing to be celebrated - just what I needed.

We arrived in style and checked into our absolutely phenomenal room. We stayed in the City Flats Hotel in downtown GR, a very green and uniquely niche hotel where every room is themed. Ethan chose the Blue Room for us because he knows me so well - a room with a zen and calming environment, supposedly designed to help visitors relax and unwind. Boy did he hit the nail on the head with that one.

One of the most enjoyable rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. Cozy bed, wonderful and luxurious shower, and a perfect environment for me to enjoy. I can’t wait to come back for another stay in a different room to see what incredible vibes they have in store for us.

Not long after we arrived we headed out on the town for some pre-dinner munchies at San Chez Bistro because there’s nothing better than tapas when you’re in need of a light snack to tide you over.

Grand Rapids was stunning that night. I’ll never forget how pretty the sights were. It was almost as if the city was wishing me well on my day, too.

Grand Rapids will always have a special place in my heart. No matter where life takes me, it’ll always be my home city.

Later in the evening Ethan took me to one of the most specials places we’ve ever been to together - Charlie’s Crab - the place where we went on our very first date together, exactly one year before, on my birthday. We sat at our same table and enjoyed a divine meal and relived our year of bliss together, hand in hand.

I didn’t manage to get many pictures of our meal because I was so in-the-moment with him. In my opinion, just as I should have been.

I did take one picture of the meal… when I asked for melted butter for my white fish, they brought me the most posh and ingenious thing I’ve seen in a while, which needed to be documented. A candle-warmed miniature pan of butter - how perfect?

Once we had paid the bill, we went back to the hotel for my surprise birthday cake from a little cake shop in Birmingham, Michigan called Love and Buttercream. Their vanilla buttercream cake is absolutely to-die-for and Ethan even had them personalize it just for me. Isn’t he amazing? I’m so lucky.

We borrowed silverware and a lighter from the hotel bar and he even sang the birthday song to me. My heart melted. Then, we devoured the cake with absolutely no shame.

He took my breath away when he gave me his combined birthday and 1 year anniversary gift. I couldn’t be more in awe of his incredible taste. He chose the most stunning blue mother of pearl Tag Heuer women’s Aquaracer watch. I’ve said it before, but I am so incredibly lucky. It even has special meaning because now we have his and hers matching watches - talk about couple goals.

Then, he lead me hand-in-hand to our last adventure of the night - late-night drinks at one of our favorite bars located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel called The Lumber Baron Bar. We love the dark, ominous, upscale vibe… and their Dirty Shirleys.

All in all, it was one of the most romantic and heart-warming nights of my life. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate our 1 year anniversary and my 25th birthday. I have the best partner in life, who makes my life better each and every day.

I can’t wait for another 70 years of birthdays and anniversaries with you, Darling. I might be 25, but on my birthday I felt 16 again.