October Birthdays

I have to admit that I feel a twinge of jealousy over the the fact that two of our family members have birthdays in October. 

Okay more than a twinge.

A birthday in October means celebrating in a season of crisp air, leaves crunching beneath your feet, faint smells of apple cider and wood-burning. 

A birthday in February means celebrating in a season of cold to your bones, long, gray days, seasonal illness, and the realization that spring is nowhere in sight.  

via GIPHY             (Actual Footage of me in February)

Given the Pandemic Situation, we decided to take full advantage of the beautiful weather with celebratory activities outside.  For my husband's birthday, we enjoyed a sunset horseback ride at nearby Koteewi Park followed by dinner on a patio. We've had a few dates over the years that included horseback riding - especially during our getaways to Brown County. I think I might add "learn to actually ride a horse" to my bucket list.  

First I have to make a Bucket List.

    

We got lucky again with weather for Benjamin's birthday, so we spent most of the day outside. After the requested Panera Bread bagels for breakfast, we headed to the neighborhood park to try our hand at Pickleball.  On several trips to the playground, we've seen other, more skilled people playing on the Pickleball courts, and Benjamin really wanted to give it a try. I found the necessary equipment at Walmart and we looked up the rules on the ol' internet.  It's basically a game that's somewhere between tennis and table tennis.  I like that the smaller court means less running, since I am horribly out of shape. We decided that it was pretty fun and something we will continue to practice when the weather's nice. 

While some of us were at the park attempting Pickleball, big brother Matthew set up the puzzle hunt he created for Benjamin's presents.  We have a family tradition of creating puzzle hunts where the boys have to solve clues that eventually lead them to their gift/gifts.  My genius husband did one for Michael's 9th birthday when he got his first "advanced" lego set - the space shuttle. He's been coming up with clever ideas for puzzle hunts ever since.  Matthew has taken a few turns creating hunts, too, and has done an impressive job. 

The Birthday Boy had also requested some archery time - again we went to nearby Koteewi Park. It was a beautiful day and it felt good to be outside. Everyone got a turn shooting and I definitely gave Katniss Everdeen a run for her money.

    We finished the day with dinner out and a movie at home. 

We also had a celebration for the birthday boys at Nana and Papa's house after they returned from some much-needed vacation time. 

I even won a game of Yahtzee for I think the first time ever. I figure I should make a note of that since it's not likely to ever happen again.

    

I've always appreciated how homeschooling gives us the flexibility to all take a break from our normal routines to celebrate a family member's birthday. We always spend the day doing something fun or relaxing together while (hopefully) making the birthday boy feel loved and appreciated. 

And who can't use a day of feeling loved and appreciated?  

~ Dori