40

Well, it's here.  40.  I remember when I used to think that 40 was "old".  I anticipated having trouble with 40, I anticipated feeling "old", I anticipated others would think I was "old".  But I was wrong.  Maybe it is because I still have a 2 year old at home, and my oldest is only 8.  I don't know what it is, but I'm going with it, because 40 is not anywhere near as intimidating as I thought it was going to be.

My BFF's daughter, Meagan, made these delicious cupcakes for me last night.  Leave it to Melanie to remember my birthday without a reminder.  Thank you!  You always know how to make my day. 

We went to Olive Garden for dinner, but ended up having to have it boxed up because my poor boy is still feeling poorly and got sick at the table.  (TMI, I know, but it is definitely a memorable moment from my 4th decade celebration) 

I was so glad to be able to spend my birthday with my mom.

And my awesome man made me a birthday cake!

Then my not so awesome man put 40 candles on the cake.

Then they sang to me as the inferno raged. 

I managed to get most of them out myself - but we all knew I'm full of hot air! 

My beautiful flowers from my family. 

 

All in all it was a great day, and I'm sure 40 will be a great year!

Louisville Slugger Museum

Today we headed up to Louisville to go see the Louisville Slugger Museum.  Both of the kids loved playing baseball, so we thought they would enjoy seeing where most of the bats the pros use are made.

These are the bats for each player the company makes them for (past and present).  They used to (before it all became computerized) pull the bat for the player that needed a bat and take measurements so each bat came out the same. 

Babe Ruth 

Learning how bats are cut from a tree. 

My little sluggers in the dugout. 

Batting cage time 

They had a display of several baseball stadiums and other baseball themed items, all made out of LEGOs.

It's a little difficult to see, but this piece has the lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" raised up above the rest of the picture.  And yes, it is all LEGOs.  Amazing stuff in here. 

Now it's off to dinner with my BFF from my youth group days at St. Paul's UMC in El Paso, Texas!  It's hard to believe that we've been friends for nearly 27 years.

A Day at the Races

Since the kids have never been to a horse race, we decided there was no time like the present - especially since the track is only open for another couple of days!

This guy got a little crazy when it was his turn to go into the gate.

The jockeys were just hangin' out on the track while the works got the horse under control and walked the others. 

We're set.

And they're off! 

Having some hot chocolate and looking over the racing form with Grandma. 

Grace discussing with her daddy what their bet is going to be on the next race.

 

We didn't come home any richer, but we had a good day, despite the fact that Tristan is sick.  Poor guy - he's such a trooper!  Not a complaint - until it was too late. Yuck!