My Birthday!

My birthday came on a Saturday, at the end of a discouraging week, in already discouraging times. The previous week brought record breaking numbers of covid cases and deaths in the US as well as here in Slovenia, it was the first week back to online learning after a highly anticipated return to in-person learning didn't pan out, a return to strict lockdown measures, the very disturbing and horrific capitol riots, and a bleak outlook for my sister, who I share a birthday with by the way, as she navigates the break-up of her 23 year marriage.  Phew!  That's a lot!  

Add to that nowhere to really go for my birthday, no celebration with friends, no restaurants open, or places to travel.  I was bracing for a disappointing day. 

To make things even more potentially upsetting, it was on a Saturday, meaning I would be with all of my family the entire day.  The kids were a bit over-anticipating this day.  They were so wound up about my birthday this year, I don't know why.  Perhaps because there is literally NOTHING else going on in their lives... it was like the one scrap of excitement they could grab on to and they had big hopes for my day!  There was much discussion about the choice of cake, and whisperings among the kids and Ben as they formulated their plans.  

We had a yummy crepe breakfast and then decided to go hiking.  I have an AllTrails app on my phone and just kind of looked up some places in our region.  The day prior it had snowed off and on, and there was just a skiff of fresh powder.  We set out for a trail called Grmada, just a 20 minute drive from the house.

The drive over was so lovely... all the surrounding hills covered in a fresh coating of snow, church steeples, snow-covered meadows, etc... just so picturesque.  It felt so good to get out and enjoy a different view than the inside of my house!

The trail was navigable except for the very beginning where we had to cross a small stream, but there was no bridge and it was just a bit too wide to jump over.  We stood there trying to figure out how to get across when a nice couple came by and as they maneuvered their way across on stepping stones, they turned around to help each of the kids over.  So nice, I wish I had a picture of the group effort. 

Those are corn husks!

The trail was steep and muddy down below, but once we came up to the ridge line where it leveled off, we had some really beautiful views!  

Unfortunately, as you can see, the kids weren't equipped so well in the shoe department.  By the time we got to the top their feet were wet and cold.  I felt badly about this. We need sturdier outdoor shoes!

Simply beautiful?  So tranquil up there too

Cosette was mostly carried the whole way up and down on Ben's shoulders.  I don't know how he did it.  

Up top during our "picnic"  We technically didn't make it to the very top, the kids had had enough of the cold... but this was a beautiful spot with a nice overlook so we called it good.

Heading back down!

Selfie with everyone.  Where's James?  Oh yeah, he's off on the trail ahead where he'll get stopped by a random Slovene lady asking if he's lost and his silence due to lack of understanding will cause her to worry and she'll stay with him until we show up. Not the first time it's happened here.  

Back home it was crazy cake baking, spa pedicure (in the living room), a movie, gifts (smart watch!), etc.  Ben and Caroline put together this amazing video of my family who sent in tributes... Ben headed that up and I so appreciate him for doing that.  I felt overwhelmed by all the love and celebration... absolutely no disappointment!  What a day!