Birthday

You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too, yeah.

Today's not my birthday; it was the 11th.

I think it may go down as one of the best ever. I used to tease my mom and Aunt Rhonda when they would say that life gets better after 35 or 40 or so. I would tell them that they were just jealous that they weren't young anymore. I have to officially retract that sentiment. I turned 40 a couple of years ago and, had I known it was going to be so great, I might have done it sooner.

My birthday always begins with my mostly annual trip to my grandparents' house. Usually it's at their lake house, but a couple of times it's been in San Antonio. The important thing is being there. I've made this trip almost every year of my life that I can remember. There have only been a couple I've missed because we were living in El Paso or Albuquerque at the time and couldn't get there.

This birthday weekend at my grandparents' is not just for me. My mom, my Aunt Jan, cousin Rachael, formerly great "Aunt" Onnie, and now brother-in-law Travis all share a March birthday. It's such a wonderful excuse to get the family together. Although, not much of an excuse is ever really needed. My friends here at home often wonder why I go to San Antonio so much. I guess it's unusual for most people to get together with their families and really enjoy it.

We never actually do much. The kids play (at one time I was a kid who played), we have a huge dinner, eat cake, discuss politics and change the world from the kitchen table (if only Washington would take heed).

We've had as many as 30 there for the weekend, and as few as 10, but it's still a standing appointment on my calendar. I think it will always be.

Here are a few pictures. The battery on my camera was dying, so I only got a couple.


Jake and Owen.

Jake was my road trip partner for this trip. Zac wanted to stay home so he wouldn't miss any baseball practices. Jake and Mitchell played together all weekend. It was fantastic! I'm so grateful for how much they love each other and are so well suited to each other. One thing, though. Jake realizes now that he must eat salad or some type of fruit or vegetable at least once a day. He was sicker than a dog on Saturday night from too much junk! He's a believer in fiber, at least for now.


The birthday girls.

Our combined ages this year are 173. I won't tell you how old everyone else is, but I'm 42. I'm actually okay with that. Like I said, it really does get better.

Here are some pictures of some of the things I got for my birthday.


Flowers from my very good friend, Tammy.


A cool glass pitcher from my very good mom.


Some candies and neat candles from my very good friend, Susanne.

One of the reasons this birthday has been one of the best ever, is because those last 3 photos were taken with the camera on the gift my sweet husband George got me.



I seriously need an intervention. The iPhone is spectacular.

Again. One of the best birthdays ever.