as we get older, some of my friends dread celebrating their birthday…not me! i look at it like…hey, i’m alive another year…woohoo! my 38th birthday (yeah, i know right?) celebration started with an early birthday dinner at this benihana type restaurant in fremont. i had been craving it for some time but the one in cupertino was closed for remodeling.

we were excited to take tobey as we thought he’d be excited and amazed at how the food was cooked right in front of you. we were partially right? hahaha when the chef started off dinner with a huge flame, tobey spent most of the evening leaning far back into his chair and constantly asking him “is there going to be a big fire now?” he eventually relaxed and ate his meal…he loved the chicken and the fried rice! actually, we all loved our food, we’ll be back for sure!

(1) me, tobey, mel right before dinner; (2) mommy and son; (3) our funny chef, lenny

my actual birthday on friday was spent at home, relaxing with hubby and baby. we hadn’t done that in a long while, just stay home and relax…it was really nice. earlier that day, i had lunch with my good friend jenny. coupons at chevy’s…woohoo…i swear were the only ones that seem to appreciate those hahaha!

the next day was another treat for tobey (and us). we decided to go to the state fair! none of us had ever been so we were excited! we thought it would be hot so we weren’t planning on staying very long. we ended up staying a lot longer…just exploring, getting on a few rides, checking out exhibits, etc. no surprise we were all hecka sleepy on the way home. did we rest when we got home? no..hahha we headed over to jenny and robbie’s for dinner and to do some catching up.

(1) one of the car rides tj went on; (2) his 1st win at a basketball game; (3) my little guy in a fire truck - you all know how much i LOVE firemen

then came sunday…BBQ with my side of the familiy! we were celebrating august and september birthdays - there’s 6 of us! hubby did his thing and grilled some yummy BBQ! the family brought pansit (have to have noodles for your bday!), fruits and ice cream cakes for dessert! they ate so much they had to walk it off - so tobey took them for a walk towards his school. the oldies left shortly after the walk while edwin, edison, jenn and joshua stayed to hang out…and play rock band!

(1) grubfest!!!; (2) check out photobombing at its best…can you see ramel?!?; (3) august and september birthday celebrants