lucky

Yesterday was my birthday, and it couldn't have been better. Here's how the very full day played out...

June and I went running first thing in the morning. All the usual suspects greeted us along the way: people, dogs, the tunnel, hydrants, etc. When we returned home we built a "fort" (yesterday's model consisted of our couch, blankets, chair cushions, pillows, June's chair turned upside down, and our coffee table), which June hunkered down in while I made breakfast. Following breakfast, we got cleaned up and rode the bus from East to West Campus, and yes, she let out quite a shriek when we went through the "tunnel." On West Campus, we toured Duke Chapel and then chased each other around in the grass out front. We didn't stay too long because June was eager to ride the bus again.

By the time we got back, Adrienne was home from her morning errands. We didn't waste much time, and before we knew it, we were on our way back out the door headed to the countryside for lunch at my favorite BBQ restaurant.

From Allen and Son, we headed to Mapleview Farm for Junie's first ice cream cone.

Junie with a scoop of peach and Adrienne enjoying her Carolina Crunch...

Here I am trying, unsuccessfully, to perform some damage control on our rapidly melting cones (I had butter pecan)...

the perfect way to spend an afternoon...

Back at home we all enjoyed a family nap. Adrienne didn't nap long because soon she was downstairs baking chocolate chip cookies for me (how did I get so lucky?). When June woke up I read her stories while she clutched Doggy Doggy. Doggy Doggy was given to me as a newborn and followed me everywhere. I don't have pictures from yesterday, but here's a picture of them together in May 2007...

We then went downstairs and played "tackle" until Junie's dinner was ready. Adrienne also managed to saute some shrimp for our own dinner appetizer (again, why did I get so lucky?). After June's dinner, we put on some of our favorite soul music and had an impromptu dance party in the living room. We dance around with June regularly, but this was the first time that she really got into it. She was spinning around, stomping her feet, and swinging her arms with joy. At one point she was on all fours performing dance moves similar to those seen on The New Dance Show. It was fun as could be. June didn't want the party to stop, and frankly, neither did I, but it was time for bed. I gave her her bath, read her stories, sang some songs, and sent her off to dreamland.

Our babysitter arrived soon thereafter, and we headed out for a quick bite to eat. After dinner we saw Tropic Thunder at the local theater. Ridiculous, but cleverly so. We certainly had a few laughs. And when we got home from the movie, I still had gifts to open.

Not a bad day. I'll be hard pressed to top it.