This one's for you Jode...

My sister has been giving me a really hard time that I've already made a post about my brothers birthday and his was AFTER hers. Not wanting to further send her into a bout of depression, here is her long awaited birthday post!

My sweet sister celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago. On Jodi's actual birthday, the 27th, Adam, Autumn and I went out to lunch with Jodi and the boys at one of our favorite local diners. It was a snow-day so it was fun to hangout with the boys as well. Autumn made sure to give Jodi lots of birthday attention - and the fountain in the restauraunt.

A few days later we had a formal celebration at my parents house. As you saw in my previous post we spent the day sledding together and having a delicious dinner. Jodi requested her favorite meal, chicken and dumplings. Autumn helped with the mashed potatoes:

After dinner we had "mudd" for dessert and opened presents. Jodi seemed to get lots of things she could use (Lowes cards) and things she had wanted (a jewelry box). I am planning to take her up to Mike's American Grill in Springfield to get some of the best calamari I have ever had, but we're still working out all the details.

After the par-tay and before we were about to leave I had my Dad snap a few shots of me and the birthday girl. I think the last picture Jodi and I took together was about 11 years ago and that just won't do. So here we are, the original Mattingley broads:

I never realized just how much we do look alike since I've never seen a side-by-side picture of us together. I think this calls for additional photo shoots of the original Mattingley kids and for sure a picture of all additional Mattingley women, Adam, and the grandkids! It's been too many years since we took a proper family picture as well.

Over affection creates "laughy-smiles", my favorite. =)

Happy Birthday Jodi! I love you!