My 40th birthday started out like any other birthday. Steve and I planned to go to Austin with the boys for a couple days to celebrate. So, he took off a 1/2 day of work so we could leave a little early. He came home with an ice cream cake and gifts. It was fun and sweet and then we loaded up and headed to Austin.
The plan was that we would stay at my niece's house and they would watch the boys that night (Thurs.) so Steve and I could go out to eat and go to my favorite piano bar on 6th St. My niece's boyfriend, Matt, has two snakes that the boys were just enamored with! They couldn't wait to get there hands on those snakes!
A little too close to Ryan's face for comfort!
Brock liked the snakes, too...and wants one for a pet. My answer? "NO WAY!!"
Then it was my turn....eek!!!
Steve took me on a romantic dinner at a great Italian restaurant called Maggiano's. It was nice getting to celebrate together and then go out on the town. I forgot to take my camera to get a picture of us together, but it was still a very special time for us.
The next day (Fri.) we went to have lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Austin, the Hula Hut. While we were sitting there, I got my first (of many) surprises. My best friend, Monica, that I've known since around 5th grade arrived with a margarita. She flew in for my birthday from Ohio!!!! I had no idea she was coming and was completely taken off guard. I think I was stunned for the rest of the day!
Monica gave me a beautiful bracelet that she's putting on me.
After lunch, Steve told me that Monica and I were going to spend the rest of the day and weekend together. I was very confused because our original plan was that we were coming back to College Station on Sat. for a wedding and would have to leave Austin Sat. morning about 10:00. Monica had told me that she had scheduled a pedicure for us for Sat. The whole time I was wondering how I was going to tell her that I couldn't do the pedi because we had to leave so early the next morning. Later, Steve explained to me that HE was coming back for the wedding, but I was staying there with Monica. He also told me that the boys were going to stay in Austin while he came back to CS. When I asked who was babysitting the boys, he wouldn't tell me! That's because the babysitters were Surprise #2...
We did plan on meeting back up with Steve and the boys Fri. evening to watch the bats fly out from under Congress Ave. bridge. Monica and I picked up a few pizzas to eat while we waited for the bats and as we drove up, I saw my brother, Greg and sis-in-law, Diane, and their cute little baby, Jack!!!! They had flowin in from Pennsylvania!!! I was so shocked and humbled!
Brock and Jack (and Diane in the background).
Jack, Greg and Diane
Ryan and Matt
Monica and Jack
Steve and Jack
A short video of the bats. Quick fact: Steve read that there are over 2 million bats that live under this bridge, making it the biggest colony of bats in North America...All in the heart of Austin!
That evening Monica and I had a girl's night out on 6th St. We went to Dawson's Pub. When we got to 6th St., we kind of walked up and down and tried to find a place that had a little bit older crowd. When we got to Dawson's, the bouncer didn't card me. I said, "Oh, come on!!" He said, "If you're coming in here, you're over 30!!" What a way to celebrate your 40th right?! :-)
The next morning (Sat,), Monica and I met Greg, Diane and Jack for breakfast. When they walked in, my brother, Walter, was with them! (Surprise #3!!!!) He had driven in from Amarillo the night before! It was amazing to be surrounded by my family and my best friend...and it only got better.....
We made plans to meet them for lunch. By this time, I had no idea what to expect or what my scheming husband, friend and brothers had planned or what we were doing from one minute to the next. So, we go to a wonderful Mexican restaurant called Serrano's and when I walk in......Surprise #4...some of my best friends from College Station were there, along with my brothers and Steve (who I thought was in College Station for a wedding!). It was an amazing time.....
Here I am walking into Serrano's...
...greeted with a hug from Brock...
...the surprise and joy evident on my face...
...and laughing with Walter.
Steve had another cake, this one with all 40 candles on it. My smart-aleck husband told me later that he was surprised that the restaurant would let him light "all those" candles in there!!
One of the most touching moments of the lunch was when Steve showed a slide show of my life. It had pictures of me as a little girl with my mom and dad, growing up with my brothers, meeting and marrying Steve and having our sweet babies. Steve narrarated the pictures and talked about my family. It was amazing and touched my heart...and made me cry.
My sweet, sweet boys.
Me and my College Station friends: Ashli, Jennie, Melissa, Me, & Rachel.
All my friends outside of Serrano's: Jennie, Melissa, Monica, Me, Ashli & Rachel.
After lunch, all the girls went shopping in the South Congress district of Austin. Wouldn't you know, the only things we bought were these incredible cupcakes from this travel trailer...
...and some candy from this old-fashioned candy shop. They had candy here that I hadn't seen in years!!! In fact, I bought Brock and Ryan some giant Smarties and some candy cigarettes!! It was the funniest thing watching them "smoke" them because they had no idea what they were doing. Ryan would grab the candy cigarette from the burning end and move it in and out of his mouth like he was sucking on a sucker. Then he'd pull it out, blow the smoke and take a bite. It was too funny. Brock didn't pretend much with his, he just ate them up!
Sunday was a time to spend with my family. I said good-bye to my wonderful friends and spent time with family. It was so good to see my family and spend some time with them. I miss them all so much and wish I could see them more often.
Walter with Jack (I LOVE this picture!!!)
Brock, Ryan, Jack and Walter
Ryan wanted me to take some pictures of him "doing poses."
My sweet, sweet nephew, Jack.
Brock and Jack.
I could not have asked for a better 40th birthday. I have the most amazing husband, children, family and friends. I am so humbled by the love poured out on me all weekend. I'm not sure I deserved any of this, but I know that God has blessed me beyond my imagination. I still don't have words to thank all of them for all they did. I will forever remember this weekend and how special they made my birthday. Thank you to all of you and thank you, Father, for my wonderful life!
