WHAT A WEEK! FIRST: VALENTINE'S DAY: I've always been a fan of the LOVE holiday. Exchanging treats in elementary school, excessive amounts of flowers and chocolate (my 2 favorite things), even if it is "Singles Awareness Day," I still like it! (and I've been single for pretty much all 24 years of life)

But this Valentine's Day I actually had a date! Vance and I doubled with Monica and Diego. We rode the gondola up the mountain at SnowBasin and had a 5 course meal at Needles Lodge. The view was unreal.

My meal included an "amuse-bouche" which was an asian-style shredded duck as featured in the photo. I liked that so well I ordered duck for my starter as well. Champagne-infused sorbet was the palette cleanser, halibut on quinoa in a citrus sauce with roasted veggies as the entree, and a rich chocolate tart with fresh raspberries for dessert! Of course I had to taste everyone else's dishes so by the end of the night I had enjoyed ceviche, lamb in a red-wine/coffee sauce,prime rib, gourmet chicken in polenta, a killer mushroom-brie bisque, passion fruit cheesecake, and peanut butter truffles that were more of a PB mousse covered in dark chocolate. OH BABY.

Monica and Diego:

Even Honey was excited for me:

Shortly following Valentine's Day is my birthday. And I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY! My mom flew into town Friday and when Jana Bell is in town, I am a happy camper. You know those people that don't want anyone to know its their birthday? I'm the opposite. I announced my upcoming birthday at the staff meeting at work a month in advance, when the random grocery cashier gives a courteous " Hi, How are you?" I say "I'm great, my birthday is on Sunday." So Sunday came and I was greeted with our tradition of breakfast in bed.

We had a big dinner at Aunt Lesa's with lots of relatives from the Savage side. I LOVE MY EXTENDED FAMILY.

Logan modeling Jana Bell's new Alaska hat

Mum n Uncle Todd

Aunt Renee put together an Alaska survival kit for my mom so here she is sporting her new attire/tools/animal poops.

Nathan is a good sport :)

Uncle Corey giving me my birthday shoulder-rub that I convinced him he owed me:

Vance made me a chocolate tart with raspberries to duplicate the one I loved so much from the Valentine's dinner. OH YUM. And My Mom's overbaked brownies... almost as good as Vance's creation :) My mom is staying for a few more days and I have loved having her here. Also, thanks for all the birthday love from everyone not mentioned in this post. :) THE END. For now.

GO ADELE.