Fourth of July and My Annual 22nd Birthday

Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays for a couple reasons.  One, it's in the middle of summer.  Two, it means my birthday is four days away.  Three, it gives me an excuse to wear navy and red (I don't know what my excuse is every other day of the year).  And last, but not least, I love America.  'Merica, f**k yeah!

This year I spent Fourth of July Eve in Louisville with friends at Waterfront Park for an outdoor concert.  I actually have no idea who was playing, but I know it was a country band.  I don't care for most country music, but I was there for the company, not the music.

On the actual Fourth of July, I headed downtown to meet friends and revel in all the festivities.  The streets were blocked off, and despite the ridiculously hot temperatures, people were everywhere.  We had a blast just relaxing and catching up.  I ran into an old friend from high school and got to catch up with him for awhile, so it was definitely worth the heat!

Mary, David, and Sarah  

 Later that night, we walked over to Shriner's to watch the Idle Hour fireworks.  They were great!  There's just something about fireworks that makes me feel all nostalgic inside.  When the fireworks ended, we headed home and I promptly went to bed.  I was worn out!

David and Mary

Crappy iPhone photo...why didn't I bring my real camera???

Fast forward to Saturday night...  I went back to Louisville to have lunch with my mom and brother for our birthdays.  My mom's birthday is the day before mine.  We had a nice lunch at North End Cafe and finished off the celebration with gifts at the house.  I really shouldn't call it a celebration because we didn't really make a fuss over it.  I pretty much boycotted my birthday this year since I'm not exactly thrilled about turning twenty-two (ahem) plus nine.

Later that night, I went out on the town for a bit with my friend Alison.  We were pretty low key and didn't end up staying out terribly late, but we had fun regardless!  Saturday night soon turned into Sunday morning and I headed back to Lexington to get ready for my birthday dinner with my closest Lexington friends.

Courtney and John

Adam and Kate

Steven, Jamie, Robbie, Adam, and Kate

Dinner was at Grey Goose, and since it was my birthday I broke my diet and ordered pizza.  Cheese pizza is one of my greatest joys in life and being on Weight Watchers tends to curb my addiction.  It was totally worth it, though!

Following dinner, we headed out for a few drinks at McCarthy's.  I had one of the most awkward experiences of my life there, but that's not a story for public sharing.  We didn't stay out late since it was a "school night."  I think I was in bed by 11:30.  I guess that's what happens when you're thirty-one.  Ugh, actually seeing that number in print makes it a little too real.  I don't think I'm going to do that again.  Twenty-two plus nine!  Much better.

Despite the actual aging thing, I had a pretty good, low key birthday.  Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate, called, texted, sent cards, and posted Facebook messages.  Y'all really know how to make a girl feel special!