Everybody has one...

At what age exactly do you stop thinking, "Yippee! My birthday!" and start grumbling, "Another year older already"? I don't know if I'll ever reach that age. I still get a thrill when I tear August off the calendar to reveal a bright and shiny September. I can barely resist the urge to cross off the days as they near the 27th. To me, September is a magical month, full of possibilities. And 27? Possibly the most enchanted number.

Will I grow out of this eventually? I sure hope not! I love to drag the birthday celebrations out for a whole week...and I feel as deflated on the morning after as I do on December 26. The birthday's over for now, but this year I'm really trying to milk all I can out of this birthday thing. Not only did we party all week here, but Stetson and I are heading to AZ where I'm sure I'll be able to work up a shindig or two. In the meantime, I'll reminisce about this year's celebrating...

After a little research on the internet, I learned that there are all sorts of things you can get for free (or at least discounted) just for being born. We took full advantage this year and enjoyed a gratis Coldstone Creamery "Love It" bowl of ice cream. All it took was a few minutes to register online. Friday night we escaped the kids and headed to Red Robin with the Walkers. My delicious birthday burger was free, too. (I'd be worried that I'm making you jealous, but you can enjoy this free stuff, too! You have a birthday, don't you?) But more importantly, the company was just what I needed after wrestling an ear-infected Stetson all day. Saturday I slept in until an embarrassingly late time, while Lafe managed Stetson and doing all the laundry. That night I enjoyed dinner and the Relief Society broadcast with the women in the ward, and then I came home to cake and ice cream courtesy of Stetson and Lafe. Thanks, boys! It was a great day.

So here's to birthdays -- mine and yours!

Johnny Appleseed Festival

Last weekend we ventured out with the Walkers to the Johnny Appleseed Festival at Mapleside Farms. The weather was beautiful (a bit warm -- just how I like it!). There were fun booths (Caprice and I got our faces painted for $1), yummy food and spectacular views. Stetson loved the horse-drawn carriage ride and running down a huge, steep hill with Lafe. We can't wait to go apple-picking next week! If only Cleveland's fall lasted for 6 months instead of the winter.

Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike was nice enough to leave a present for us on our doorstep -- way up here in Ohio! We were quite surprised when this huge branch came crashing down Sunday night. Fortunately, there were no injuries or serious damage, although the shingles on one corner of our house took a beating. We hope to have it cleaned up soon so that we can use our front door again!

Labor Day Weekend

Where can you feed zebra, camels, llamas, white elk, emus, ostriches, pigs, and more? Only in Ohio.

If you live here, you have to take time to visit Rolling Ridge Ranch. If you don't live here, you should definitely come visit us and we'll take you!

We were all amazed by the different types of animals we saw up close. I was nearly attacked by a hungry ostrich! Way better than a zoo.
Stetson had so much fun that he cried when we left.