25 really IS the new 30!

Just as I was dreading turning the big 25, (and without my American friends and family) a few surprises began popping up that really made my birthday special...

...starting with this incredible 3-foot tall orchid that Mel & Jake gave me!

The highly anticipated Katchafire concert on Friday night was a HUGE hit. They sounded even better live than they do on their albums! (No we don't know these girls but they seem to like Dustin!)

Amazing vocals and Kiwi grooves...

The next morning, I caught B making me breakfast! ;) He makes the best cup of tea in these parts. (But don't tell him I told you that.)

Later that day we headed out with some friends (including new friend James from South Africa) to an awesome "brekkie" place known for their egg dishes and pastries called "Au Cirque" in beautiful New Farm....(but nobody here serves a mimosa, or even knows what it is!!)

Afterwards I got more gifts from Mel & Jake...a cute candle holder (now in my bathroom) and a decorative basket holding cool twigs (now in our hallway).

MORE of our mates popped by to say Happy Birthday! Big friends like Jill and Sean...

...and with happy little friends like Casey. (Who really seems to get a kick out of Brian)

Brian unexpectedly took me to a fabulous restaurant called "Mondo", in the West End. They serve only all organic and fresh, local cuisine from the area....including wine! It was delicious and we even got two desserts :)

In addition to all this- I got heaps of packages in the post, cards, emails, text messages (on both US and Australia's Sept 6th), a totally unexpected phone call from Krysta, loads of messages on facebook, a skype party with the Mill Ave crew... and I still get to go to Straddie Island next weekend (gift from Brian)!!!! Cheers to everyone who made me feel so loved, from so far away. I was/am crying just thinking about it :)