So many good things happened on my birthday. Started out canoeing on the Russian River. Evelyn took this picture and I think it sums up how I felt rather perfectly: I'm on the water in a bathing suit, could I get any happier?

I love rivering. So much goofy fun, you'll just have to imagine it for yourself.

Early evening drive the 15 miles to Occidental to meet more good people.

Just enough time for a few cocktails in the pool before foraging for dinner for 30.

Pastas, wine, birthday, engagement and marriage toasts surrounded by my favorite people. Even the crotchety old waitresses softened up a bit.

Hotel parking lot party in the warm air. Bottle rockets, blossoming chins, spaghetti fun, late night missions to Boy Scout Camps, skinny dipping, skinned noses, Red Ryder assaults; so many things I didn't get pictures of that'll be forever in my mind.

Good morning pool. Still happy, day 2.

Yes, that's a bag of wine in the corner. We're fancy like that.

So long twenties, this year's already amazing.

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Water babies? This post made possible by all the awesome people I know. Three birthdays, three days of party and so many magical little daydreams fulfilled. Thinking about it makes me happy all over again. I still can't believe how mellow the Occidental Hotel was, they must be used to far worse things than bloody towels and pool parties running long past check-out. So much sun and water, and that dream-like bus ride back to Burke's, warm and breezy like an end-of-the-day bonding at summer camp. Summert birthdays, you rule.