steven turns twenty-three

Stevens's birthday was Friday, so Thursday we celebrated with sunshine and an over indulgence in calories. We happily found ourselves back in Santa Cruz. We made a visit to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, where we got to see dolphins that are used for friendly research, along with a rescued sea lion. We also were able to pet sea stars, sea anemone, and even a shark.  I think we could have spent all day learning in there. Afterward, we grabbed tacos & burritos at the best local mexican restaurant, and took a walk around the boardwalk. Even on a Thursday, it was busy and alive.

We ventured on over to Wilder Ranch State Park after that, and sat along the cliffs, praying the wind wouldn't toss us over the edge. The water was clear and crashing hard against the rocks. I felt like we were the only two people in the world up there. The wind froze just about every bit of us, but we made a point to just be there and enjoy the quiet together. 

Dinner was pizza near a much warmer, active beach, and dessert was house made ice cream from The Penny Ice Creamery. Carmel corn and chocolate sorbet for me, and the usual for my guy - Tahitian vanilla bean. So. Good. We ended the night grabbing Krispy Kreme on the drive home for the morning after & I brought them to Steven in bed with a tea-light candle on top. 

On his actual birthday, we had a relaxed day together. So lucky that he wasn't working a 12 hour shift like he had originally planned (thanks to one of his kindest friends and co-workers for volunteering to fill in for him). We brought him his very own half-dozen of donuts as a thank you, but nothing could repay him. Later, Steven got to try out his new bike parts on a bike ride with a pal, we had a nice dinner in, I made him oatmeal creme pies from scratch, and then we shared a sno cone and churro at a local carnival. It was pretty perfect, and I am so happy we were able to celebrate together. 

Happy twenty-three, you stud! I love you so.