My Birthday Weekend

Thursday was my birthday and it was the best one ever! Amy, Jennie, and Julie flew in on Thursday evening. Julie got in early so we carved some pumpkins and cooked pumpkin seeds while we waited for Jennie and Amy. Unfortunately, Amy's flight was delayed so, after picking up Jennie, we went to Bahama Breeze for some Mojitos! We sat in the bar and the one-man-band sang me like 5 birthday songs and I had a "birthday" keylime pie (all thanks to Mike).
Friday morning, we piled in the car and Mike took us for a hike in Rainier National Park. It was a beautiful day! Like usual, I was worried about time and thought we should turn around as Mike had to be back for class at 4pm, but Mike said he thought we should be able to see Mt Rainier at the next turn, I argued but pressed on. Sure enough, about 50 ft ahead, the trees parted and there was a great view of the mountain! We took a break and had birthday cupcakes with candles (Another one of Mike’s surprise). Friday night we watched the Cardinals Win the World Series over a pot of chili and some beer. (Katie skipped class to come over and watch the game too).
Saturday we slept in and then headed downtown for the rest of the day. We went to the Pikes Market, had lunch in the Soundview Deli, then for the highlight of the trip - we went to the tattoo parlor. Of all people, Amy was the one getting a tattoo. She got the Ironman symbol on her low back in a "mostly red but a little orange" color. She had given this a lot of thought and was ready to make the plunge. It was not all easy though, as she almost passed out when the artist was tattooing the border. I have never seen Amy so yellow in my whole life! We were trying to hold her legs over her head while she was sitting in a chair trying not to let the tattoo touch anything.
To celebrate the successful completion of the tattoo, we went to a chocolate bar and had drinks and then headed out to dinner. We ate at the Hilltop Alehouse and then went to Ozzies. Second to the tattoo, the highlight of the night was Mike singing Karaoke at the bar. The girls could not picture Mike actually doing this, but a few drinks later he was belting out Sweet Caroline, and dancing all around. He got the whole room singing and he wasn't half bad!!! Sunday afternoon we said a sad good bye to Amy and Jennie. Julie and I made a fabulous dinner out of Cooking Light and Katie and Jim came over for some episodes of "The Office" - Mike gave me seasons 1 and 2 for my birthday!! Thank you guys for coming to visit, it was great!!