Matthew the Birthday Man

on March 27th, 1981, the world was blessed with the birth of my husband and bestest friend, Matthew Wayne Hargrave.

This year, Matt's birthday just happened to fall on the weekend of the annual Bell/Hargrave Easter party. And as much as we love Matt's wonderful family, I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to celebrate some of this special day with just the two of us. So, sneaky me (who later learned that Matthew is just as happy knowing an event is coming, rather than being surprised by it), went in on cahoots with both my parents and his to make this day truly unforgettable.

We arrived in San Antonio early Friday afternoon, where we unpacked our bags as usual. After a few hours of visiting, Mary sent Matt outside to get something for her, and I made my move. I quickly repacked mine and Matt's bags, threw them in the back of the car, and gave Mary and Grandma Pat (who drove down with us) a few instructions on Bennett. When Matt came back, we found an excuse to get him in the car, and we were off!

VICTORY! Halfway down the highway I told him our plans. We were going to the beautiful San Antonio River Walk, where we would stroll around and hold hands until it was time to eat at Texas Land and Cattle, where I had made a 5:00 dinner reservation.

Matt promptly changed these plans.

He had been up since 2:00 that morning leading his troops in land navigation exercises, and he was exhausted. I can't say that I blame him, poor guy. So at his request, we went to see a movie instead of walking around for hours. But because we hadn't planned on seeing a movie, we were forced to settle with whatever was playing at the time we got there. The only thing on was, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", which I thoroughly enjoyed, along with the 45 middle school-aged children we sat by. I think Matt's favorite part was when it ended. :)

After that we were back on track to the River Walk and dinner, which was fabulous. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera, so most of the following pictures were taken from the Internet.

This is the River Walk. We got there during the best part of the day, where the sun is almost down but not all the way, and the air has just a little bit of chill in it. It was beautiful. And yes, we held hands all the way into the restaurant. Matt got his dream steak and I got shrimp and we were both fat and happy by the time we left.

But wait, there's more!

After the River Walk we drove (through a very scary section of town...luckily we didn't stop there) to a gorgeous little bed and breakfast inside a renovated mansion, originally built in 1902, and spent the night. It was soooo cool!

The Ruckman Haus Bed and Breakfast.

The gardens.

Our room. Each room was tastefully themed after a different country. We stayed in the "English Room", which was very simple and classic, and had the coolest shower that sprayed from five different directions. It was life-changing. We spent the evening watching a movie and just enjoying each others' company. It was very nice.

The next morning they served us homemade Belgium Waffles for breakfast, and then we both decided we missed Bennett and it was time to go back.

On the way, we drove through the mansion neighborhoods and talked about how we will one day live in one (we can dream, right?). It was all great, until we went to turn onto the highway and our car wheel lost a bolt, so we ended up on the side of the road. Luckily, Matt is handy-dandy, and luckily there was an electrical crew doing repairs on a streetlamp right next to where we broke down. They worked together, along with a friend Matt called who lived in the area, and we were back on the road in 20 minutes. Thank goodness for good people everywhere!

When we finally made it to the house we found Bennett (who never even knew we had left) and began the Easter festivities with the family. After lunch, everybody sang "Happy Birthday" to Matt and Bennett and we all had cake and opened presents. It was a very successful birthday...but next year there will be NO surprises.

Matt, carrying out his traditional Birthday Bunt Cake. I have heart attacks over this silly cake every year, but everybody said it tasted good. I still think it could be perfected a little more. Next year, bunt cake, next year...

Matt opening his drill bit set.

Oooig and Awwwing over his golfing gloves.

Happy Birthday, Mattie! We love you!