Makinzi: I was so excited to have booked dinner at a restaurant walking distance from our home, Stella Alpina, for Dylan's birthday. The restaurant had just moved and opened their new location. We could only get a pretty late reservation but, fortunately, I got a call from the restaurant offering to move our reservation earlier because it was for Dylan's birthday. I thought this was so nice! I excitedly told Dylan about the change of plans.

On the morning of, I saw a text from Dylan's mom that morning asking if "the plan" was still on and sharing her excitement for us. I was really happy to see she felt the same about such lovely birthday dinner plans for her son. I'm a big birthday person.

After work, we got all dolled up and walked to dinner. The restaurant offered remarkably impressive service: a warm welcome from everyone who worked there, a phenomenal table spot, and they even brought out birthday desserts for both of us. Who does that?! Incredible. Above and beyond. Five star.

Oddly enough, Dylan was unenthusiastic about my dessert photography. He insisted that I put my phone down, but I really wanted a nice photo for his mom. The waiters were all taking photos, too, since obviously they were proud of their excellent service. I figured they wanted to capture the birthday song for their Instagram.

Birthday singing done, I set down my phone and returned my attention to the dessert.

Registry