45

Yep, I said it. Not gonna lie about my age. Saturday, November 24th was a big day. Can't say I feel 45, but then again, who says what it should feel like?

On such a momentous occasion, there was only one thing I wanted to do with my girl.

Bowl, baby, bowl.

So that's exactly what we did.

I put on my finest bowling capri jeans and Lauren donned one of her fancy dresses (of course), along with a Happy Birthday bow, and we set off for an afternoon at Bowlmor Lanes.



Lauren handily won (it was those darn bumpers, I tell ya!), but we both did the All Right Now Dollie dance, "Woo" jump included.


Then it was out to the stage area in the outdoor mall, where our sprite made very good use of the ballet slippers she had chosen to complete her ensemble. Clara from the Nutcracker came to life, and it was a joy to behold.










[Photography by Joe. Thank you, thank you, thank you.]

Then it was back to the house, where we continued to celebrate with a cupcake.




Fun with Mojo.



And multiple rounds of Mad Libs (for which her obsession currently runs wide and deep).


I have so much to be grateful for as I turn 45 and enter my 46th year. It's not always easy, but I promise to endeavor to remind myself (and act on those sentiments) every. single. day.