Birthday

As it turned out this year I was pretty sick when my birthday rolled around. The nurse suggested a 24 hour fast 2 days before the day and so when the day came I was still drinking my calories. Hence the happy birthday cup of broth. Should have put a candle in it.

Many friends and family members called to send happy wishes and sing to me which made the day much better. My mom sent me enough money to buy one of our Christmas plane tickets. My mom in law gave me money which I am also looking forward to spending in some manner... Don and Rebekah bought me a chair so I can sit outside on something besides the kitchen stool. All in all, I came out well.

A few weeks later I felt we could celebrate with this piece of carrot cake (not entirely impressed though).

Knowing Don doesn't like carrot cake and Rebekah just likes a plethora of cake, I also bought these chocolate cupcakes.

About a week later a shirt I had Don buy me came in. Mom was coming for a visit and brought it to me. Love!

And finally, there was much talk about getting a robot vacuum for me. Don's daughter has one and highly suggested it but it was pretty pricy. I thought we could wait until Labor day and the price would drop for a sale. It didn't, but weeks later it finally did so I threw caution to the wind and we spent the money. Turns out it was an awesome decision!

Happy birthday to me!

Labor Day Part 2

The next morning we had a low key breakfast in the lobby and planned the day. Don forgot his hat so Rebekah pitched in and helped with the hair.

We were close enough to see where the Mississippi met the Ohio. Lots of historical reasons to visit this place (Lewis and Clark and Mark Twain / Huckleberry Finn to name a few) but also the geography drew me. Don and Rebekah were nice enough to come along.

The view up the Mississippi. Look closely to see the bridge into Missouri.

A monument to Lewis and Clark. Rebekah was down there reading aloud for all to hear but I was slow with the camera.

Where the Mississippi and Ohio merge. This is the side the Mississippi enters.

This is the Ohio.

Another view up the Mississippi. I am fascinated by large bodies of water.

The park itself was very under kept and rather pathetic. It's too bad Illinois doesn't take better care of it for it would make for a beautiful destination. Also amazing is the sheer traffic that travels the rivers.

We got on our way back to Paducah but not too far out before we spotted a park. It was stinking hot but it was a park and Rebekah had to play. Don stayed in the air condition car but I ventured out with her. We didn't last too long. So hot!

We made it back to town and stopped to get some food. Don and Rebekah played tic-tac-toe.

Very serious indeed.

Then of course we went back to the hotel and cooled off in the pool.

Don gave me a lecture about how it's good to do nothing sometimes. So I attempted to do nothing. While I was doing something I saw Rebekah giving some attitude to Don. I enjoyed this way too much and had to document.

I have experienced move this several times. I think you can see Don trying not to laugh... Rebekah is not use to be taken lightly.

I finally realized I should video what was less of the action:

Ah... good times. Always nice to see Don get a piece of it. Brings us closer together, right?

After the pool we had a quick snack before heading back out to see more of Paducah.

Rebekah "sampling" the hot chocolate Don got for me.

Right before we left:

We drove out to the flood wall and got to see a great view the Ohio river. There were so many people there just watching the river. I could be one of those people. It was beautiful.

I came looking for Grant sights and found a few. I also found a Clara Barton sight. Rebekah is quite a fan and was very excited.

More of the river. That's an island in the middle of the river. Apparently there's a lot of history there.

When did Rebekah get to be so big?!

Some more finds (the sign, not the scary guy...).

Don stayed to watch the river a while longer and Rebekah and I went out to see the flood walls. We started with the train.

The flood wall murals were beautifully done. I believe they were painted in 1996.

This was a scene from history when the Ohio froze solid circa late 1930's.

Ah, Grant.

The last time it flooded, before the flood walls.

Thought the sign was interesting. 

On our way back to the car we found a little ice cream shop.

Love the building.

Then we headed back to the hotel. The next day we had a quick breakfast, followed by an even quicker swim and then headed back home. Rebekah got about an hour into the four hour drive before asking, "are we home yet...?" Nothing like a good family trip!

Labor Day Trip Part 1

It was time for my annual birthday trip. We talked about going to see the Hoover Presidential Library but turns out it's pretty expensive this time of year. So was northern Michigan. Eventually I went to the hotel chain Don likes to frequent and found a destination that was mildly affordable. Which led us to Paducah, Kentucky!

It was a 4 hour trip, a very long 4 hour trip for Rebekah, but we eventually made it. By the time we did, Rebekah was exhausted!

However, she perked up right in time for a swim with dad.

I love to watch her move under water.

A good swim is always followed up with a stint in the hot tub. 

We had a quick dinner and then got back into the car (I was amazed at how willing Rebekah was) to head out to The Land Between The Lakes. I highly recommend this Kentucky park. It is simply beautiful! We passed over one part of the lake and watched the sun set on the water, then continued on to another section of the lake. Such beautiful scenery! I tried to catch it out the window.

Seriously, if you're ever in western Kentucky, it is a must see.

Our goal was the planetarium. I had called ahead to discuss my sweet, yet easily scared, astronomy loving daughter at length with the planetarium help desk. She suggested a benign presentation, brought to us by National Geographic, about weather on other planets. After which we would be able to go out to the telescope and look at the starts. Sounded great and we planned accordingly, arriving just before dusk. Plenty of time for pictures before the show.

We made our way into the theatre. Look at those tired eyes - on Rebekah and Don.

This was right before the show started and the screaming ensued.

Yeah, it wasn't pretty. I should have known better. Even now I relive those first few moments - Rebekah's eyes getting huge - the look of intense fear on her face - tears... it was just horrible. I took Rebekah into the back and tried to reassure her it was just a show, but it was so loud and the screen was circular so it felt 3D. It was just too intense. We left the theatre and hoped that Don will fill us in.

After the show was over we went outside to the telescope. After waiting in line we climbed up the ladder to see what we could see. They had it pointed at Saturn. Wow! what a view! I had no idea it would look like that. Rebekah climbed up next. She's already excited about astronomy but when she saw Saturn she literally did a little scream and had to take a second look. Very cool.

On the way out we spotted Saturn using my phone app.

Then we headed back to the car, but not before we spotted this little guy.

The Land Between the Lakes. Seriously. Look it up. Very worth while. We only did the planetarium but there's all kinds of water activities, horse riding, camping, trails, and just sheer beauty. My family isn't one for nature - unless there's a car that drives us through and a hotel to sleep in. It hasn't bothered me too much but this... I would like to experience more.