Around here, a birthday isn’t just a day. Around here, there is a birthday with one side of the family; then another side of the family; then alone with just the family.
This week I woke up on my actual birthday, read a book about the Old Testament, checked my blood pressure (part of my new years resolution, everything is fine), and realized: here is your sign. You are old and boring.
Taylor and Rosie made an awesome breakfast, with a candle in the scrambled eggs for kicks.
Rosie even made this sign for me, and explained what each of the icons means:
- Guitar because I like music
- Video game controller because I like playing zelda
- sunglasses because I am cool
- Heart because she loves me
- hat because it is time to celebrate
- scary emoji because 39 is old
- beers
- cupcakes because they got me cupcakes
- basketball because go tar heels!
- burrito. Everyone loves burritos.
- Chocolate because I like candy
Rosie is so thoughtful. May she never change!
UNC Basketball
Every year Rosie and I go to a UNC game on a night when the schedule works best- typically a 7pm weeknight game when tickets are more affordable. This year happened to be an awesome year for the tar heels. They were #3 in the country when they matched up against Wake Forest.
This year all three of the Lineberry boys got to join us, and the night was great. This year we went a few hours early to enjoy dinner, and looking at some of the stores on Franklin street.
We spotted the famous Roy Williams across the stadium wearing a pink sweater. I told Rosie about his accomplishments, and Rosie asked if we could go see him. With 10 minutes until tipoff, it didn’t look like there was a line any more, so I said “Sure.”
We made it all the way across the stadium. I got a little mixed up and had to jump over some seats, but we made it down right beside Mr. Roy, when “Excuse me- you are gonna have to go back to your seats.”
Security got us. Apparently there is a cut-off for when Roy allows drop-ins. He made sure to get our attention, and the people around us confirmed what he said to Rosie and I: “Come back at halftime. I want to see you.” were his words, after seeing my smile and boldness to bring my 9 year old.
Rosie did confess that she was a little embarrassed and didn’t want to take him up on his offer, but still. It was a fun memory.
Also one thing we noticed is that the opening part for the games- including the laser light display on the court- was different than last year:
A small adventure
There is an area near our house. It is a small little green space, with a little pathway removed from the road that is good for riding bikes. This little green space has a creek running through it, and is bordered on 2 sides by a slightly busier road in town. There are no sidewalks around it, which means, no one ever goes over there. Is is the perfect little spot for an adventure.
It was going to rain that Saturday afternoon, and Taylor had been out with the girls doing this and that. So, this was the best opportunity to build up the suspense for Rosie. Her response? She is just like her mom (in the best way possible): “Why don’t you just tell me where we are going?”
No, I would not tell her! That would defeat the purpose! But, we got the bikes and helmets ready, packed a PB&J, and rode the 3/4 of a mile to our destination.
The first challenge? Cross the creek without anyone falling in. Luckily there was a 2×6 laying there, and a narrow-enough place to lay the board down, and cautiously cross, one by one.
Across the creek, what did we find?
- No trails
- Lots of pricker bushes
- a lot of mud
- It was hard for the girls to walk.
You know what Rosie’s reaction was?
“This is so fun daddy, I feel like an adventurer or explorer or something.” That side of the creek wasn’t as grand as I was expecting. We crossed back across the creek, used some hand sanitizer, and ate our sandwiches.
Before peddling back up the hill, we made use of our walkie-talkies and explored the large grassy field bordering the creek.
One thing I tell the kids often these days is “If you have enough ideas, eventually you will have a good one.”
This last picture might be hard to see the ducks that Rosie and Mercy saw in the creek.
