We got it right....He's 48!

 There was no major gift. Nothing over the top or expensive. 

Just love and attention and....this is the big one.....no fighting. 

Mark turned 48 and he went to work and answered emails and did all the things grown ups have to do on their birthdays.

But his coworkers know that he loves the sugar...and they came through in a big way. 

I had to work early that morning, so we focused on making the best of the evening hours. We realized that he's the only one of us the hadn't run through the streamers. It didn't disappoint. Mostly because Mark is Mark. And he makes everything fun and funny. 

Winnie Muse

 I'm not the only one that loves Miss Winifred

Birdie Girl

 It's a terrifying reality to love something so small and vulnerable. 

Big Money

 My my! Look who is getting her very first back account? She got herself a job at the Berry Patch and she needs someone to keep all that cash she's bringing in. 

Naturally I sneak a picture.

She's feeling pretty proud to be the youngest Hufford yet to get a job! 

Business and the Beach

 Wachter chose Ft Lauderdale to have it's big kick-off this year. Last year was Miami and I was in the middle of keeping teenagers whole and healthy, so I didn't go. That left Mark walking the beach alone with nary a hand to hold. Still, he had to go to meetings and mixers and I got to take naps and explore the shops and collect seashells.

We are so obsessed with birdies these days! Look how they all face into the wind and enjoy the sunrise.

It should  be noted that it is SO VERY COLD back in Kansas City. It seems impossible that not everyone is freezing in February. Which explains why I couldn't imagine needing a pair of shorts and therefore didn't pack anything lighter than jeans and a t-shirt. Mark was in meetings all day, so I finally found a row of gift shops and set about purchasing shorts and a tank that weren't crazy expensive and that I might possibly wear again sometime. I found a public restroom on my walk back and crammed my Kansas clothes into the gift shop bag. 

It was so nice to get away and feel the sun on our faces. 

Tomorrow we return to the polar votex! Fun!

Collective Soul in a Pantsuit

 We like the kind of band that plays at a casino in South Dakota. 

You know we are willing to drive north to hear "Run".

Let's go. Get in the truck. 

Meg is good company. I love hearing her stories and seeing life through her eyes. The drive went fast! We put on our Strong Independent Women hats and checked into the hotel, drove to the casino and found or seats. The rest of the audience definitely skewed more to my generation. 

We were right in front of the lead guitarist and he was awesome!

I had to smile at Ed Roland's orange crepe suit. He owned it, but I had to wonder if he found it in the mature ladies section at JC Penneys. 

Either way. I respect the fashion choice. 

We had the best time and sang all the songs. We navigated our way out of the venue a little early so we wouldn't be on the road with all the drunk folks and headed back to our hotel. 

A little continental breakfast, and we hit the road in the morning. 

South Dakota is cold. They've got to be one of the best reasons to own Carhart. k

We spotted this cool circle rainbow on the way home. It felt like an alien invasion. 

Maybe they were on the hunt for the ornagiest pantsuit on earth?

Lone Valentine

 One last hold out for heart hair. 

Those old ladies were right. 

I should have "enjoyed it while it lasted"

Who will let me do heart hair next year?