Best Birthday Party Ever

Okay last post about my birthday, I promise. I just wanted to give some shout outs and talk about my favorite party thus far. I never imagined 30 would be my favorite, who knew.

To start things off, Caiti took me to the new 620 place on State Street for some awesome sushi and steak. It was a beautiful day so we ate out on their patio. The food was fantastic (I will be eating there again and I highly recommend them although a bit pricey). She seemed nervous about something and I asked her about it but of course she denied it. Suspicious but I didn't catch on.

After that the plan was to head back to the house for some drinks and a movie. The kids were with my parents at their place to give us the alone time. When we got close to home though she had me put a blind fold on and told me she had a present for me on the porch. For the life of me I couldn't imagine what sort of thing it could be that it would have to be out on the porch instead of in the house. When we got there she led me up to the steps of the back porch and pulled off the blind fold. Standing above me were my closest friends yelling SURPRISE!

My sneaky wife had managed to collect everyone from as far as Roanoke VA down to Hickory NC and everywhere in between. This was what I truly wanted for my birthday, just to see everyone that I felt I'd been falling out of touch with. I guess when you become a parent you lose the ability to fly off on a whim or the availability for the usual gatherings.

After greeting everyone I was immediately handed a White Russian, one of my favorite drinks, and the partying had officially started. We played some SFxTK and UMvC3 for a while followed by some carpet twister (my living room carpet has lots of circles on it, if you've been here you get the idea). My memory gets a bit fuzzy after that. I just remember doing a lot of random socializing because I was super hyped to see everyone. Everyone seemed to have a great time and the drinks were top notch, served by bar tender Amanda.

So now I want to give specific shout outs to everyone that made my birthday so great. Again thanks to everyone for coming. You don't know how much it meant to me. Really, I love my kids more than anything but sometimes you really end up missing interacting with adults.

Caiti: My wife and best friend. You did an incredible thing that night and made me feel very loved and special. Thank you for giving me such beautiful boys and a wonderful life. For you I can live with a life of old man comments, haha. Thanks for the champagne shower (not, lol). I was all sticky for the rest of the night, but I felt like a rock star!!

Rob: *Ryu and Ken fist bump* My forever rival and friend. It was so good to see you after all this time. You need to send me another one of those "Ryan, come to Roanoke -Rob" messages again and I'll be sure to come. Get the batman symbol tattooed on your chest.

Amanda: Super model and aspiring bar tender, lol. Thank you for conspiring with Caiti and getting Shane and Rob down here. You gotta love that southern charm you bring to each party that gets anyone to drink whatever you hand them, lol.

Shane: I haven't seen you in a few years man, I hardly recognized you! I mean it as a compliment though, you're still a sexy beast. I came up with an Xbox Live screen name for you in case you ever make the switch: Shanegerous! Keep rockin that Chun x Asuka, even though my delirious self said she sucks lol.

Jen: You're hilarious girl, with a hilarious comment at ever turn that I bumped into you in my running around. Glad to see you come out and keep the girls rolling.

Ronnie: Awesome seeing you again man and thanks for putting up with my ridiculous comments. You're a funny guy too, hope you can make it out to more of these in the future!

Pam: It's been ages since I've seen you too. You know how to party and look fabulous doing so. I don't think you heard me say this but "it's Lego or nothing!"

Clinton: You're like a drink ninja, concealing who knows what in that mountain dew bottle. As always it's good to see you, we need to hang out more often and play some classic games.

Millie: Did you win carpet twister? I think there's a photo somewhere out there with you in the act, lmao. It's always good to see you. I'm glad you and Jose made the mountain trek to be there with us. Did you ever find those Caramel Smooths? Lol.

Jose: I haven't known you for long but you're an awesome dude with excellent taste in t-shirts. Turtle brothers! Again thanks for making the trip up here, I hope we can hang out more in the future!

Drew: Did you ever win that dollah bill? You're a mad man for the money matches! We need to get together more often for some games. I want a piece of that Rufus. You also need to teach me how not to suck at Ultimate MvC3. Thanks for the awesome gift!

Jamie: The bear tamer! I wish we could have played some. I'm sure you had Kuma farts to give out all around. It was great to see you again. You've got a smile that makes anyone want to agree to a dollah bill money match.

Steven: How long have you been in Fox Hound man? You had me fooled with that jacket. Nah I know you have mad stealth killing skills. We need to hang out more, there's no excuse since we live so close. Mostly my fault though. I wanna see more of your new tattoo arts.

Stroup: I don't think you're from this dimension. From the space between spaces, you appear only to party and take 19 year old girls to the bowling alley. We need to hang out more seriously.

Travis: Fellow Chun brother! Had a great time kicking ass at disc golf earlier that day. Once again you're like the weapons master of choosing the right disc for people. Thanks again for the awesome gift by the way. I have a fridge full of beer left over that I need to bring to your house to consume.

Phil: Sorry for the lack of everclear buddy. I know that's your gentleman's drink of choice. I hope you had a good time anyway though. I'm glad you came, you're in the brotherhood of "Marle can't shoot fire." Okay I just invented that but you never know we may run into more people sooner or later.

Cthulhu John: True Gentleman. Are you ready to hand my ass to me in Tekken? I hope you do so while smoking your pipe. Let's fight like gentlemen!

My parents: Thanks for watching the boys. I know they eat like vacuum cleaners and Liam is a lot quicker than he looks. I don't know when you'll ever see this but I love you guys and I owe it to you for raising me to be the person I am today.

I think that's it. Thanks again everyone for making this the most awesome birthday ever. I don't know how this one will ever be topped but just remember that the ultimate present and all I ever want is to see you guys! I hope everyone had a great time, as always everyone is welcome at my house any time.

Thanks again!