Leigh's 30th Birthday Weekend

Much to my joy, and Leigh's chagrine, Leigh turned 30 on Saturday. Why am I so pleased about this? For some reason I've always thought one's 30s are their best years. You're still young and energetic, often unburdened with too many responsibilities, often breaking into your career, but finally getting past a lot of the growing pains that come with the teenage, college, and post-college years. I'm only 26, and I'm not wishing my 20s away or anything, but I'm really glad that Leigh is embarking on her 30s so that we can really start enjoying adulthood.

Leigh requested that we have a low-key birthday. I ordered her a few presents from Amazon, but a little late so they didn't come in the mail on time :-(, so I bought her a house instead! Just kidding, sort of... I mean, I have done all of the research and such in securing the mortgage but if gift giving requires the spending of one's own money then no, this is not a birthday gift. If gift giving only requires effort, then yes, it is! Aside from gifts, Leigh requested food and activities. For the food we went to the Double Musky Inn in Girdwood. I've heard great things about this little restaurant and it did not disappoint. The prices seem high until your food comes. Then the mere volume and quality of what is on your plate more than makes up for the price tag. Leigh had so much leftover steak that we made dinner out of it on Sunday night (steak fajitas!!!). Dessert was fantastic too. Next time I'll have to get the coconut salmon appetizer and the peanut butter pie.

After dinner we visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage. We bought a year pass and it did not disappoint either. The center has a variety of local animals, often being nursed back to health or given a permanent home at the center because they were orphaned at a young age. The bears were particularly exciting to see up close, without fear of becoming their supper.

Me with a bison.

Leigh with a black bear.

During our outting, Leigh fielded calls from friends and family wishing her a happy birthday. After hanging out with the wildlife, we headed back to Anchorage and spent the evening relaxing and talking about the house we're in the process of buying. In all a nice, low-key birthday as requested by the birthday girl herself. We are talking about extending the fun and going to Seward next weekend since we've had such beautiful weather, but then we might have house stuff to take care of at that time... we'll see...

Most of the weekend was spent daydreaming and making plans, even window shopping for paint, appliances, and closet doors. Our inspection is tomorrow evening and hopefully the house will get a clean bill of health. Then we have to get it appraised and the mortgage finalized. Hopefully everything will continue to go smoothly so we can start making this place our new home starting in mid-July!