My friends are VERY sneaky...

Yesterday was my monthly Winers meeting, which Rachael was hosting. Amber volunteered to drive, so she picked me up and we rode together. I had decided not to wear my dress, because it was FREEZING last night, so I just wore a sweater and jeans. I almost decided not to go, because Eli was so sick, but Jerry was home with the boys and said they'd be fine.

When we got to Rachael's, I was wondering if we were at the wrong house by mistake, because the house was dark. We walked into her front porch area, and I was peeking in the windows, trying to figure out why I didn't see anyone. Then I saw some people on the stairs inside, so I opened the door to a very loud "Surprise!!" from all my Winers friends!

I was stunned for a minute, trying to figure out what was going on, when I realized that they had turned it into a surprise party for my 30th. I was completely amazed when they told me that Jerry even knew about it, because he wasn't acting suspicious at ALL. Normally, he can't keep a surprise for anything--he gets way too excited, and he always gives it away (even unknowingly). But I had absolutely NO CLUE at all that they were planning this.

They even had 30th party decorations, and a birthday cake; they chose some of my very favorite wines, and my favorite snacks (hello graham crackers with peanut butter and chocolate chips!!):

How awesome is that cake?!

It's the details... ;)

"Warning: 30th birthday party in progress"

Let's not overlook the Black Box!

They put three candles on my cake--one for each decade. That's how you know you're old! haha

The cake was DELICIOUS. Rachael said her husband Dan made it from a box, but it was seriously the best chocolate cake I'd ever had. I couldn't stop raving about it. As Jessica and I were eating hunks of cake, we were talking about how we need to quit eating so much to drop a few pounds that we've gained in the past week, lol. I found it hilarious that we were having the discussion over cake.

All in all, the night was so much fun, and I felt so special. I have some super amazing friends! The night wouldn't be complete without our group photo, of course:

[Special thanks to Stephanie (in blue next to me) for letting me use all of her photos!]