James and the kids let me sleep in a little. I woke up at 7:30, which is about 90 minutes longer than most mornings. The sun was shining and I really wanted to go for a walk as a family. My husband informed me that it was very cold out ("feels like" temp was 2 degrees) and encouraged me to just go out by myself to walk. He also recommended that I walk through the woods....something I hadn't done yet on our new property. So, I bundled up tight and headed out. My first "gift" was what I discovered in the woods.
* Being in the woods is peaceful. I now understand why/how hunters can sit in the woods for hours.
* The woods are beautiful. Nothing but nature. I scared up 4 deer and watched them run right in front me. I also viewed birds closer than out in the open.
* It's warmer in the woods. The sun was shining on me and there was very little breeze...it felt about 10 degrees warmer in the trees than out in the open. I even got hot and unzipped my coat.
* Time stands still in the woods. For awhile, I forgot about everything else and completely focused on the serenity around me.
I was so glad James urged me to take this very enjoyable hike! I know where I will be retreating to when I need a "time out" :)
After my hike, I played a few board games with Rylee and had lunch. Then came the gift of having alone time with my husband as my mom picked up the kids for the rest of the day/night. After they were gone, James told me we were going to shoot guns. I know.....some of you are thinking "that doesn't sound fun at all"....on another day I may have felt the same. On this day though, I was super excited!!! I have shot with him a few other times and didn't really enjoy it. I had so much fun shooting on my birthday though. Even though it was freezing cold and the wind kept blowing my hands every time I would get lined up, I still did pretty good. I hit my target 80% of the time or better. I'm looking forward to shooting again....when it warms up ;)
James and I then went out for supper....something we rarely do, but I always enjoy. For the first time ever we sat on the same side of the booth.....so we could both watch the Iowa game. Good thing we aren't Hawkeye fans....
We rented a movie after supper -- although it had us on the edge of our seats the entire time, we do NOT recommend "No Escape" to anyone with kids. It was very hard to watch!
We slept in until 8:15 the next morning....I can't remember the last time I slept that late!!! It was so quiet in the house without the kids....that may have been the best present ever!!!! We both enjoyed a morning of quietness and being able to complete tasks without having to refill drinks or change a diaper in the middle!
In the afternoon, I took Wyatt to the ISU women's basketball game. This was his third game this year...he does so good there! We were able to sit with my parents, who have season tickets. The girls won - yay!
After the game, we met back up with James and Rylee (who had been ice skating while we were at the game) at Hickory Park for ice cream. I thought the kids would enjoy watching the staff sing their Happy Birthday song to me, but I think Rylee was embarassed :) We all went back to my parents house after that to watch the ISU mens game.....which could have had a better outcome to complete my birthday celebrations.
I had a very wonderful 2 days of celebrating my special day! Thanks to my husband and mother for making it even better than it would have already been! I'm looking forward to a great year -- I think 2016 will be FABULOUS!!
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