A day early but friends at church surprised Beth with a special treat - a visit to the stables and a horse ride. Beth's new love these days is horses. She wants one for her birthday but this is the best I could do (or should I say would do :) I think it was enough for now. She helped clean the stall, 
watched Sailor get a shower (to cool him down, it was super hot out there!), and then got to ride and even trot some around the arena. 
This was her first time ever on a horse. She's done pony rides but this was a real horse. I wasn't sure she'd even get on when the time came but she was relaxed and easygoing and just went along for the ride.
She loved it, and says the best part is petting him.
watched Sailor get a shower (to cool him down, it was super hot out there!), and then got to ride and even trot some around the arena. This was her first time ever on a horse. She's done pony rides but this was a real horse. I wasn't sure she'd even get on when the time came but she was relaxed and easygoing and just went along for the ride.She loved it, and says the best part is petting him. 
So what, you ask, did I do for my birthday? I went to Rome. I even met Paul and many, many other interesting people. Yes, I spent the last week at our church participating in an awesome Vacation Bible School. Andrew and I were the Grammaticus School teachers helping children to make an abacus while asking them if they've ever heard of the religious teacher, Jesus (we weren't Christians but curious. It was a fun role to play.) There was singing, 
dancing, 
crafts, 
costumes (Beth wore her family color of red to match her sash as much as possible even if it meant wearing long sleeves in this heat!), 
games, 
food, and story time with Paul under house arrest. Our kids had a great time although the Roman soldiers, played mostly by our high schoolers, where a bit too real for Adam. 
Jill, however, had no problem hanging out with them .
Jill also took a nap every night. Rome was a busy, tiring adventure!
Jason asked on our way home the last night why it couldn't last all month. We had so much fun, and I'm thrilled at all they learned and enjoyed. And how many people can say they spent their birthday in Rome! 
(Thanks to all who surprised me with birthday treats in Rome on my birthday, especially my wonderful husband who orchestrated the surprise!)
Adam is our fish. He does not stop moving in the water and jumps into the deep end with no fear. I'm glad the floaties work so well. I am planning to slowly put less air into them to see if we can get him swimming although he swallows so much water that may not be a good idea. We'll see. 
Today she actually let go and splashed her hands in the water. 
Then in the bathtub tonight she had the most fun she's ever had in the tub. She was splashing and laughing. Usually we just wash her and get her out because she never seemed interested. I guess she finally figured out how much fun water can be.