The Happy Home: Birthday Weekend Adventure: Bastrop State Park

"Oh my God! Today is your birthday?!?! You should definitely go out and get crazy tonight!"

This coming from my 23 year old neighbor last night after Joe informed her that it was my birthday.

Never did the idea of going out sound more unappealing.

In the past, I have been known to be the "Party Girl." There is not one birthday that I can really think of that didn't include getting dressed up, going out, and usually paying for it with a killer hangover the next morning. In my early 20's, I knew a place to go out every night of the week. Mid-20's, I toned it down a bit but still had places that I'd frequent quite often and the thought of staying home on a Friday or Saturday night drove me nuts. Lately, things have slowly begun to change.

When Joe suggested that we go to Bastrop State Park for my birthday weekend, I was hesitant for maybe a minute, thinking of how much I'd enjoy getting dressed up and going out,  but then quickly agreed whole-heartily. Joe and I pride ourselves on taking any adventure that we can but lately, it seems that those adventures have been far and few between. Over the past month, he has had Funeral Detail and we've both been busy with spending quality time with family and friends before our big departure. There hasn't been a whole lot of time for Joe-Dee adventures.

I think that we were both looking forward to our little getaway and after the four hour drive into west, west Texas, we made it to Bastrop. It was the absolute best decision for a Birthday Weekend Adventure.

First of all, this park is by far one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen in Texas. Surrounded by desert mountains, the crystal clear Frio River runs. (Joe said they weren't really considered mountains but I'm a Louisiana girl: if it's higher than an ant hill, it's a mountain in my book.) Lining the Frio are these massive, wise, old cypress trees. Every time we were outside, the depth of beauty that surrounded us quite literally took my breath away.

We spent the weekend hiking, floating the river, camping, and enjoying each other's company. I know that I gush about how amazing my husband is quite often but he really went above and beyond to make me feel special this weekend.  Two of the more special moments included him getting fellow campers to sing me Happy Birthday at midnight and making a wine tasting stop at a vineyard on our way home and purchasing several bottles of fancy wine. The boy sure does know the way to my heart!

No, ringing in my 29th year did not involve "going out and getting crazy," but I could not be happier with the way that we spent it. Maybe I'm getting older, maybe a bit boring, but Lord knows, I have never felt more content.  This year has already started out extra special and I couldn't help but send up a note of thanks as I blew out my birthday candles and made a wish...

A few pics from this past weekend...