My birthday came around quite fast this year! I knew it would be different because we are away from home and I tell you, this warm weather has thrown my internal clock off. It certainly didn't 'feel' like my birthday with the warmth and humidity, but the day did come. Actually, I like my birthday and my age doesn't bother me. I turned a ripe old age of 41 this year. I think it is more a mind-set than a feeling.
I had a fantastic day, thanks to my family that made it special. Keith was great in getting everything together and done with the kids to make sure it was a good day. One of the family traditions we have is making a special meal for the birthday person. This year we knew we wouldn't be home for supper, so we had a birthday lunch, which was just simple sandwiches with all the fixings. After the meal is when the birthday person opens their gifts. Now this is where it is special, before we open our gifts the person giving the gift says what they appreciate about the birthday person. I always love hearing what my family has to say what they appreciate about me. The kids are usually silly saying they appreciate I have a head, eyes, a mouth, etc, but then they do say something serious. It does make you feel loved and appreciated.
My beautiful bouquet from Keith My birthday loot! Wow!
My birthday cake a Snicker's ice cream cake. Yummy! Listening to Amy.
Later in the afternoon we headed to Tampa for the night. I had decided early on when I knew we were going to be down here that I wanted to go see an NHL hockey game. Yes, it is true, I, do love hockey. I blame it on Brandon. I used to hate hockey. We would watch the Leafs every Saturday night and I dreaded watching the games with our friends Tim & Lois. I didn't understand the game and it just drove me crazy to sit and watch the games. Well, when Brandon was 7 he started playing minor hockey. After all those years sitting in arenas I now love the sport of hockey. I love how competitive, how fast, how rough the game can get, the physical contact, and overall how the game is played. I enjoyed every moment of the game! It was great to be in the arena and hear the noise, watch the players live, and listening to the crowd (although they are a quiet bunch of hockey fans down here). Going to the game was the highlight of our trip for me. I think Brandon would say the same, too. The only downside to the game was Sydney Crosby didn't play, although it was brilliant on Pittsburgh's part to have him play at home for his first game. I especially liked seeing Jordan Staal play.
Standing outside at the St. Pete Time's Forum Inside the arena with 'Thunder Bug' the Tampa mascot.
Can you see how excited I am to be there and watch a game?! Staal warming up.
Getting ready to start! The excitement has been building and it is loud in the arena. Marc-Andre Fluery.
Staal facing off Refs. trying to stop a fight.
Check out #11 in blue it is Tom Pyatt from Thunder Bay!
These pictures were taken from the top level. I didn't realize during warm-ups you are allowed at ice level to take pictures. I can guarantee you if we see the Pen's play again, I will be at ice level taking pictures during the warm-ups.
I had a funtastic day, thanks to my family for making it so special and memorable. I think this rates as one of my all time favorite birthdays. The only downside to the day was seeing the Pen's loose. Thank you Keith, Brandon, Amy and Ethan for all making it a great day!
