Amazing Birthday Race

Doug did a wonderful job planning my birthday. I had no intentions of doing anything on my birthday because Doug is getting ready for finals. He surprised me and planned the whole day. I was a wonderful surprise and fun to spend time together as a family.

Doug and Dallin woke me up and Dallin so kindly closed the door to our bedroom and I noticed something taped to the doorknob. It said "The Amazing Race" on it and inside was the first clue. We went on an Amazing Birthday Race. First, we went to France and Doug made French Toast for breakfast (okay so not French, but at least he made breakfast) and the table was decorated with some things we picked up in France.

Second, was a detour (which is where you choose between two tasks) Africa or North America. We went to North America, and we went to Eno River Park and went to a photography museum after eating at the park. Dallin enjoyed playing with his ball at the park. It was fun to see some black and white photography made from glass negatives. Digital photography will never be same as working in the darkroom and watching an image come to life right before your eyes. Although I enjoy the many benefits of digital photography but I can't wait for the day when I can use a darkroom again.

Third, we went back to Europe and went to Italy. We went to Olive Garden for dinner. Doug chose that restaurant for two reasons; 1. It's my favorite restaurant. 2. They have some options that a person on a low fat diet can enjoy. Dinner was wonderful, I must say. Dallin wasn't very hungry so he enjoyed playing with his crayons. We had to take his crayons away because he was marking some marks on the wall. He didn't like that very much so I gave him a wet wipe to play with. He enjoyed wiping the table, his face and he even wiped his crayon marks off the wall. Needless to say we had a wonderful time in Italy.

Forth, we went back to North America. We went home and I got a clue to complete a road block (for those of you unfamiliar with Amazing Race, it is a task that one person on the team completes). I got to open my present from Doug and Dallin. They gave me Sense and Sensibility and Two Weeks Notice. Dallin was very cute carrying my new DVDs around. Then we all ate a wonderful cake that Doug made and decorated all by himself. I must say I have a wonderful husband, very creative. After our cake was good we got to go to the final Pit Stop to win the Amazing Birthday Race. Doug wrote Pit Stop on a map and put it in our living room. Dallin enjoyed stepping on the map and I showed him where Paris, France was.

I had a wonderful birthday. Thank you to everyone that sent birthday wishes my way. A special thanks must be given to my husband who put a lot of time and energy to make sure I had a wonderful day.