Life Lately - Alabama Football + Raley's Birthday Week

Last week was Raley’s birthday week and this week I’ll be sharing all about it here on the blog. I love birthdays and making sure that my children feel special, celebrated, and loved is something that is very important to me. Today I’m going to share some of the things we did this past week, as well as our trip to Tuscaloosa last weekend. Tomorrow I’ll post pictures from her Tinkerbell inspired birthday party. And be sure to check back on Wednesday as well to see her Tinkerbell birthday photo shoot with Elles Photography (they are magical!)

We had absolutely no intentions of going to a football game this year because we just didn’t think we’d have the opportunity and thought the tickets would be way too expensive. David’s mom texted us a few days before the game saying that she knew of someone selling tickets and asked if we would be interested in going. They ended up watching the kids Saturday and keeping them overnight so that we could enjoy a day at our second home. We are so grateful for their generosity!

We had an incredible time. We found a parking spot by Mugshots, where we ate for lunch (one of our favorite restaurants in T-town). We decided to just stay parked where we were (free parking!) and make the hike over to the stadium. It was a long walk, but we were able to walk off our lunch! We strolled around the quad for a bit, where much of the tailgating takes place, then over to the Ferg (student center) to sit down and cool off a bit before heading to the game.

Good thing we got to the Ferg when we did, because the bottom fell out right after we got inside. We waited it out for a while, bought ponchos from the Supe Store, and when the rain didn’t stop and we couldn’t wait it out any longer, we threw the ponchos on and walked to the stadium. [Side note: The Ferg looks SO different from when we were there! It’s crazy how much has changed in just 8 years.]

We got to our seats right at kick off, the rain stopped, the clouds rolled away, and it was sunny the rest of the day. It was crazy HOT and muggy, but we were happy to be back in Bryant-Denny. Felt like home!

Raley’s birthday was on Tuesday so I kept her out of MMO to have one-on-one Mommy + Raley time. This was her day and I let her choose everything we did. We made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and let her open gifts.

She had been asking for a while to go to the “trampoline place” so we went to Altitude Trampoline Park to jump for a while. She ran and jumped and had a blast! I on the other hand was worn out! She told me that she wanted to do something new because she’s 5 now. She was so brave jumping off of high ledges into the foam pit. Just a few months ago she was scared to jump like that.

For the past few years she has chosen to go to the park on her birthday, then get pizza, ice cream and ride the carousel at Bridge Street. I expected her to want to go to Bridge Street again, but she chose Stevie B’s, a pizza buffet in Madison (or as she calls it – the pizza place with the monkey game). She enjoys playing the arcade games at the pizza place, so that’s where we went! David met us there and she was excited that Daddy got to meet her for lunch on her birthday.

She had dance class at 1:30 and then we went home to rest. Typically I put the girls down for a nap/rest time as soon as we get home (Audrey naps well. Raley typically stays awake but has quiet time in her room). Every now and then I’ll let Raley forego rest time in her room and let her watch a movie and rest on the couch. Since it was her birthday I let her rest on the couch. We laid on the couch together for a while, and I got some major snuggle time in, which I enjoyed so, so much!

| She got a new dance bag for her birthday. Until now she’s been using my old dance bag from when I was her age. I’d say it was worn out! |

When I asked her where she wanted to eat for her birthday dinner she said (quote), “Oh. Snap. I want chips and cheese dip.” Rosie’s is her favorite Mexican restaurant (like mother, like daughter) so we arranged for both sets of grandparents to meet us there for her birthday dinner.

| If you’re wondering why Audrey was missing from most of these pictures, this is why. She did NOT want her picture taken! |

| We got a smile out of Audrey by bribing her with pennies to throw |

She was an incredibly sweet girl all day. I’m very proud of how brave she is becoming. I’m constantly impressed by how observant and perceptive she is. She asks questions that I’m surprised a 5 year old even knows to ask. It’s hard to believe she’s already 5!

We had her birthday party at the Huntsville Botanical Garden Saturday morning. This was my first time to host a party outside of a house where I could decorate ahead of time….and we only had an hour to set up! Luckily I had help from family and we got it done just in time.

It turned out absolutely perfectly and I will share all the details tomorrow. She kept saying that it was the “best day ever!” We are so thankful for everybody who came to celebrate with our big 5 year old.

After the party was over she wanted to go through the Butterfly House. Every time we walk through the Butterfly House she tries to get a butterfly to land on her hand, and it finally happened. She was so excited!

We spent the rest of the weekend visiting with our family from out of town over at my parents’ house. It’s always fun watching the cousins play together.