(Birthday Wishes) x 3

As my 27th birthday approached, Cheryl and I decided to do a little traveling before we hunkered down until the Holidays.  This worked out great for me because I got to see my friends and family for my birthday.  We first headed to Fresno for a relaxing weekend, next a midweek apartment birthday party, then finishing it off with a visit from some family.

My parents backyard during a beautiful weekend.

Newly added Gazebo.



Having some photography fun.



View of the lake from the studio.

 
We all hopped in the car and headed to the lake for the afternoon. It's so nice to have a getaway that's only 30 minutes from home. We all took a good long nap and watched a movie and then headed back to Fresno to have some birthday cake!

I love my dad.  It's going to be amazing working beside him.



Grandma Fabulous.  An event wouldn't be nearly as complete, or calm, without her.




Chocolate brownie cake.  Mmmmmm.

I'm glad Cheryl isn't afraid to plant one on the Birthday Boy.

A few days later, once we were back in LA, Cheryl and I threw a D2 get together at our house for our closest friends.  It's always a blast when we hang out and the only rule is: No Talking About Dental School.  Cheryl made a delicious meal, as always, and we all just talked and had a great time....

Michael, always the gentleman, helping Cheryl in the kitchen.

My favorite meal: Lasagna

...until Shaheen decided to "Roast" me.  A roast is defined as a series of comedic insults, praise, outlandish true and untrue stories, and heartwarming tributes, addressed at the roastee - and he was hilarious.  Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Shaheen started telling the sad story of a very important item of mine from dental school that had been stolen.  I had been cleaning out my sim lab bench, where I had spent 2 years practicing dentistry on fake teeth and dummy heads, in preparation to start REAL dentistry on the clinic floor.  I returned from my locker to grab the last few items from my bench when I realized that my name plaque was missing.  A personal item each student receives with their name and student number engraved on it.  This was the tangible proof that I had made it into dental school and that I belonged. When times got tough, I would look at that name plaque and remember what my dad had said to me on my way down to LA - "Chris, you did it, the hardest part is getting in".  And now it was gone.  It took me a while to get over it, but entering the clinic floor was a rush and I soon forgot about my days in pre-clinic.  And now, at my 27th birthday party - Shaheen looks at me with a develish grin and said "Happy Birthday buddy" while handing me a gift.  Guess what was inside?

He got me good!



Needless to say, it was a great party and we all enjoyed the food and fun.



I had so much fun!

 At the end of the week, we invited over the Frank family fro dinner to thank them for all the weekends they've opened their home for us to enjoy some time away from the city.



Auntie Zepure and Cheryl

They brought over a cake?  Here we go again!



After some cake and presents, it was time from some Wii.

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful wife and such great friends and family who would take time out of their week to celebrate with me. Thanks guys - I love you all.