The dinner location on Friday night was a surprise for me (and TH knows I love surprises). I knew we were going somewhere fancy, likely somewhere with really pretty food that I would want to take pictures of, so I asked That Husband if he would be okay with me lugging my huge camera in. He responded “I’m used to it by now.” :)

We were only a few blocks away from our secret destination when I realized there was a thumbprint on the UV filter (it’s a cover for my lens), and so I flipped the on switch to see if the thumbprint would affect the photos. The camera didn’t turn on.

Disaster.

Awful.

Horrible.

I forgot the battery at home!

I was so devastated that I actually cried a little bit. There are few things I like more than fancy pictures of fancy food, and this establishment was the kind of place we can only afford to visit once a year (if we save up our money very carefully for months in advance to do so). That Husband was very sweet and understanding about my tears, and offered me his Blackberry so that I could at least take a few pictures to share with you.

The presentation was so artisitic and beautiful for these dishes, and the Blackberry doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. I won’t make the same mistake and forget my battery again for next years birthday dinner (Hooray for 25!).

Oh yes, if you are a Dallas reader and curious where we went: Abacus.

We started out with the signature appetizer, lobster shooters. A+ for these!

Our second course consisted of The Favorite Roll. Tempura shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, and snow crab. That Husband, who eats sushi quite frequently on business trips, said it was one of the best rolls he has had in a long time. I’ve only had sushi 3 or 4 times now, but I had to agree that this was the best for me as well. A+ for this as well!

The side of asparagus I ordered was a little underdone for me, but had a really interesting smokey flavor. and I love things served in miniature dishes. B- for this dish.

I had delicious, buttery, crisp on the outside and perfectly done on the inside salmon, on a bed of broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes. Way to go Abacus, you get an A for this one!

Husband did a better job at ordering than I did this time. He chose the buffalo, and it was awesome. A+!

Dessert gets a big fat C from me, it was just not very good. The beignets were dry and the whole dish was just kind of “meh”.

But the packaging was adorable! Where do you think they found those cute paper bags?

When we got home from dinner I popped in my camera battery and took a self-portrait to cheer myself up.

And then I insisted that we take a picture of the two of us as well. If you were wondering, buying a nice camera does not ensure lots of nice photos of you and your family together. I do think TH looks cute though. I love him.

One thing I believe very firmly in is the idea of birthday portraits. They don’t have to be fancy, but I think it’s a good idea to take some time each year to take a moment to show what you looked like at that point in time. I love how these turned out, although I do wish we had a nice spot in our apartment to take them.

I instructed TH to make sure and get my shoes in the pictures. That Mother gave them to me and I love them.

That Husband was so patient with me in taking all of these photos (we took a lot more than this!). He is sweet.

That Husband decided to give me gift #2 that night as well! What could be wrapped up so nicely in that kraft paper?

A card reader! I’d been asking for one, and he kept telling me it was an unnecessary expense. He is so tricky!

Presents #3 and #4 to come sometime in the next few weeks.

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