Happy Birthday to me!!!

Why can't I turn 30 every day?

It was one of the most memorable birthday's ever! Matt in all of his clever, thoughtful, over the top gift giving (no complaints here) managed to whisk me away to Costa Rica. I have the best husband!

Here's how it played out: He had Jeff call pretending to have gotten in a car accident (minor) on his way to the airport, so he needed us to go and pick him up. When we were on our way Matt called Jeff to get more specific directions. Of course Matt was driving so he handed me some papers to write down the directions... and on the sheet of papers it said "This is a lie"... and proceeded to give me the itinerary for the next Seven Days in Costa Rica. YAHOO!! Bags were packed in the trunk, along with burned CD's for the driving portion of the trip, See's Candies... and much more.

After landing we drove to Guanacoste area, beach on the Pacific side of the country, where we checked into our ocean view room at the JW Marriott and put our swim suits on.

I was skipping around I was so giddy.

Our beautiful room, where we had breakfast on the balcony each morning over looking the ocean.

We lost our point and shoot last January - so for my birthday Matt bought me a new one. Cool news about it... it takes great underwater pictures (up to 10 feet). Doesn't this picture of Matt above look like an eighties album cover? Love it!

Love the infinity pool and buff dude in the shot.

The camera also has a cool panoramic feature as pictured above.

We went surfing (which I rocked at p.s.) and scuba diving where we saw a white tip reef shark, eagle nose ray, schools of fish, puffer fish and many tropical fish. Costa Rica is a beautiful country - and we loved looking back at the lush cliffs and splashing waves as we headed out to sea.

One of many fabulous meals - this is Matt's surf and turf which was preceded by foie gras.

On my actual birthday Matt had pre-arranged for dinner on the beach (10 courses). He had been coordinating with the chef in advance to have some of my favorite dishes and flavors served. It was unbelievable of course! He also set up a massage and facial for me that day, we went surfing that morning, and opened presents after the meal. I know... very spoiled!

After Guanacoste we drove to Arenal where there is an active volcano. We basically drove through the gorgeous rain forests while butterfly's and giant frogs fluttered about our vehicle.

We pulled over to get a closer view of the sloth - what an interesting looking creature, no?

We hiked to this gorgeous waterfall, where the water was actually pretty cool in temperature. We swam, but couldn't get super close to the falls because of the strength of the water.

Everybody was kung fu fighting

Another day was spent white water rafting and rappelling

In La Fortuna - Arenal, the volcano heats several hot springs. Our hotel had the sweetest ones in the area. There were tons of natural looking pools all at different temperatures. We loved this.

At both of our hotels we were lucky enough to get several spa treatments. Here we are waiting in the resting area before our deep tissue massages.

What a lucky duck I am!! Mostly to have such a wonderful husband and family. I came home to a birthday dinner, voice mails, emails, cards, and lots of love! Thank you for making my birthday so memorable!