Happy Birthday, Uncle Mark!

Tomorrow is my Uncle Mark’s 50th Birthday!  I think, with guys, it’s okay to give their age! :)

Mom and Dad drove down from Florence and I drove up from Auburn so we could all meet in Birmingham for a family lunch.  Since we couldn’t spend the day with him tomorrow, we wanted to do something special and make a little fuss over him today.  We picked up Jim ‘N Nicks takeout and went to a park so we could visit without pressure for the table and so Emma could come and play!  It was a beautiful day and a perfect time to enjoy some family togetherness!

Especially over the past year, Uncle Mark and I have gotten much closer.  I even lived with him for nearly three months after he generously offered his home to me during my internship last winter.

We typically have long phone conversations.  One hour is on the short side for us!  I have to plan for phone conversations most times because I know we will have lots to talk about.

He’s always around if I need something.  If I’m stuck in traffic in Birmingham, he always knows a way around it.  If I have a photography question, he’s there.  If I want some pictures made, he does it—even posed pictures which he really hates to do! :)

He’s always been special to me.  When I was a little girl, I always claimed the seat next to him at the table and always had to ride in his car when we went somewhere.  I just wanted to spend time with him since he lives in Birmingham and I used to not see him very often.

I don’t have any pictures of him because the photographer doesn’t like to have his picture made.  Instead, I will post a favorite picture of his dog, Heidi, who I claimed as mine when she lived with Aunt Nancy.

Heidi had a big birthday last month, too.  She turned 16!

Turning 50 is a big deal in our family.  I’m so happy he’s made it to this point and I hope for many more happy and healthy years!  I love you, Uncle Mark!