Just Us: This is What 64 Looks Like

I am officially in my mid 60's...yuck. But, I just don't feel 64. OK, I've had my share of old people's health issues but I still like to dance, I enjoy traveling and having date night with Tony is the best. Who has date night at 64? I do!!

But, I must admit, this was one of my best birthdays. We started out by visiting Donna and Bob in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Donna and Bob also have August birthdays, so we celebrated together. Chris, Shannon and Emma were also there. Emma had a blast in the pool. She is only 4, but swims really well. She was diving for plastic Olympic rings, holding her breath under water and learning new swimming strokes. She's a fish! This year, since my skin is somewhat under control, I actually wore a bathing suit and dangled my feet/legs in the water. Emma swam up to me and said, "Come in, Aunt Jan, I won't splash you." I told her that I couldn't swim and that I was cool and enjoyed watching her swim. She was amazed that I couldn't swim, because it came so easily to her. "I can teach you," she said. I passed on her offer, but I'm sure she could.

Emma is also turning out to be a great shopper, just like her mom, Nana and me. While the guys played golf, Donna, Shannon, Emma and I massaged the South Carolina economy. It's safe to say that South Carolina will not be going bankrupt any time soon.

We took Dixie on the trip with us and she had a great time running through the house with Emma. At one point, landscapers came to mow and were dumping dead leaves and tree limbs from the roof. Dixie recognized the sounds of their equipment and was not happy. She usually runs and hides in Tony's closet when our landscapers come. This time, Emma sat with her, petting her softly and saying, "Don't be afraid, Dixie, they won't hurt you. I will take care of you." It was cute. They sat in front of the window watching the guys work and Dixie felt secure.

We went to dinner to celebrate our collective birthdays and had great food and a fun time.

Tony and I left on Friday and on Saturday, we went to Southport to one of my favorite restaurants, Oliver's. It's right on the water. We shopped at the boutiques and Tony bought me a Brighton bracelet, which I love. He also got me a necklace and another bracelet to add to my "coastal" jewelry collection. We had a great time. After that, it was music and lights on the lanai before watching, "Fools Rush In," a favorite movie of mine. It was my day and it was a good one!

I also received cards from family and friends, gift cards, text messages, a video of Coleton and Anthony singing "Happy Birthday" to me (my birthday card had balloons drawn by Coleton--very nice!) Anthony didn't do a lot of singing, but Coleton did a great job. Coleton and Anthony remind me so much of Ben and Sam. Coleton is all legs and rib bones just like Ben. Anthony is solid and compact, just like Sam.

And speaking of Ben and Sam, I got to talk to Ben, Sam, Ellie and Zach for my birthday. Jenna dialed the phone and when I answered, they all sang, "Happy Birthday" to me. What a great gift that was. Ben told me he will be 10 in 9 days--wow, double digits! He told me he grew, which is a joke between us. I told him never to grow and stay a baby for his whole life. When he sees us, the first thing he tells, me is, "Momo, I grew." And, at that point, I tickle him. Sam, joined in the fun and told me that he, too, grew...I guess he is in for tickles too. Ellie announced that she was 5 years old. I told her that I saw her doing gymnastics, I meant that I saw the video that Jenna posted on her blog, but Ellie said, "You did? Were you there?" How cute. Zach is a doll. He told me about their dog, Charlie, and how he likes to play outside.

Today, we will be face timing with David and Brenda--I can't wait to show off my bracelet and hear wedding news.

All in all, turning 64 wasn't bad....I am not, however, looking forward to getting any older!

At Olivers, with my bling!