Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Because Where Else Would I Want to Turn 30?!

In case you didn't already know, I am incredibly blessed. And spoiled. But mostly blessed with really cool people in my life who know how to make me feel special. If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you've read many of mine and Matthew's running adventures together. What you might not know is that for as supportive as he is in my running, he's even more amazing as a partner.

Besides doing all the romantic, practical, and wonderful things that significant others often do, he also plans a mystery birthday trip for me every year- usually revealing it a few weeks or days before we leave.

When I turned 27, we had a four day Philadelphia adventure- complete with visits to the Liberty Bell, Citizens Bank Park, and a cheesesteak or two. But only from Jim's on South :-)

Side note, I'm an Orioles fan. 

When I turned 28, we spent a few days in Las Vegas- hiking, gambling, and enjoying lots of unique shows. And of course, doing lots of touristy stuff.

You knew this picture was coming, right??

Last year, my 29th birthday, we found ourselves in Riviera Maya, Mexico where we lounged by the pool, climbed ancient Mayan ruins, and ate our weight in plantains- all with an incredible view of the Caribbean Sea.

Truly, this place was paradise.

You might be thinking, "How in the hell could Matthew top the last three years?!?!"

Well folks, Disney. Disney is always the answer- even when you're not sure of the question.

Unwrapping my gifts and figuring out where we're going!

For my 30th birthday, we will be going on a three day Disney cruise to the Bahamas- including a visit to Disney's own island, Castaway Cay- and then we'll be spending two and a half days in the World at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am smiling from ear-to-ear as I type this :-)

Not only did he book us a stateroom with a veranda on the cruise, he also got us a room overlooking the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Gorgeous ocean or African animals- either way, spectacular views over a cup of coffee in the morning.

But wait! There's more!

While spending a day at Magic Kingdom, Matthew assigned all our fast passes for Princess Character Greetings. So we'll get to chat with Rapunzel, Cinderella, Ariel, and Anna & Elsa all in one afternoon. And then that evening, we'll dine in the Beast's castle at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant. I literally may burst from happiness.

But most importantly, I'll get to spend a few days in my most favorite place with my most favorite guy- I can't think of a better way to celebrate the start of a new decade. Matthew spoils me rotten with my birthday trip every year. But I know the real reason I'm the luckiest girl in the world- because I get to go through life with him :-)

QOTD: What's the best birthday surprise you've ever received? 

14 comments:

  1. Super excited for you!! My birthday is my favorite day of the year and hubby always makes it special. Make sure you try the grey stuff at Be Our Guest =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I think everyone's birthday should be treated like a holiday :-) And significant others should treat us like royalty :-)

      Delete
  2. Matthew did a great job with the planning! I hope you guys have a blast! We ate dinner at Be Our Guest during Marathon Weekend, and it was amazing. Everything we got was delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So I've heard! We tried to get reservations last year during Wine and Dine and during Marathon Weekend but we just couldn't. So I'm really looking forward to getting there this trip :-)

      Delete
  3. So excited for you! That's going to be one amazing trip! Have you been on a Disney Cruise before?! I could go on for hours raving about Castaway Cay (it's amazing!!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, we've never been! And I've never been on a cruise, period. I am so excited! What should we definitely do on Castaway Cay??

      Delete
  4. Sounds like a fabulous trip! Props to Matthew for planning the perfect trip to celebrate your big 30th (and from the sounds of it, every birthday trip!). I love that he plans it and then surprises you. I hope you have a fantastic time, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it (and living vicariously through your stories/photos, of course haha).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Heather! I am very much looking forward to this trip. He's a GREAT planner! I am incredibly blessed to have him :-)

      Delete
  5. Mr. Shu is indeed an amazing person! Have the happiest birthday ever at the happiest place ever. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an amazing trip you have planned! I've often thought about going on a Disney Cruise. Then, you also get to go to the theme parks at Walt Disney World? It also looks like you've had some pretty amazing birthday adventures already. Have fun on the cruise and the theme parks!

    By the way, I've nominated you for a Liebster Award. If you have the time, check it out at http://whyirundisney.com/2014/04/30/the-post-about-the-liebster-award/.

    Happy Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Greg! I'll have to check out the Liebster Award- thanks again!

      Delete
  7. What a fantastic birthday surprise trip! I hope that you had an amazing time. I agree with you about Disney being the answer even if you don't know the question. WDW absolutely is my happy place and I can't get enough of it! My birthday surprise this year from my husband was the chance to meet the band I was passionate about as a kid. The Def Leppard concert was last night, in fact! I just got home a couple of hours ago. My husband surprised me with a VIP ticket to the show, which includes a meet and greet with the band. It seems that we both have very considerate guys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for awesome significant others!!!! That is awesome what your husband did for you- what a great birthday treat! And yes, Disney will always be the answer! :-)

      Delete