Happy Birthday, Dad!

My mom had the idea that we should go visit my dad in St. Louis for his 61st birthday, so Courtney, my mom, and I went out for the weekend.  We went to the St. Louis Art Museum for his birthday.  My dad took a photo of Courtney & I next to my favorite piece of art there--Degas' ballerina.  I have a smaller version at home in my living room.  Then we went to my mom's favorite Italian restaurant, Talayna's, while she reminisced about her college days at Wash U.  

This is where my dad lives.  I love it there.  It's so peaceful and beautiful--and did I mention green?  I really, really miss the green.  That night, my dad, Courtney, and I stayed up till about 2 o'clock in the morning sitting in the back yard watching a lightning storm.  A lightning bug flew up my pant leg and was sitting blinking on my thigh.  Courtney tried to pick it up, and it took probably a good 30 seconds to figure out that it was under the fabric of my pants.  Then we both jumped up squealing, flapping, and trying to get it out as my dad sat there and laughed and laughed.    

I will always remember that night and how happy I felt to be home spending silly time with my family.  I love you guys.  Dad, hope you had a happy birthday!  Thanks for having us visit.