Happy B-r-r-r-thday

Despite the fact we're making Carter wait until his party Saturday to open presents and the fact that his parents dumped him at the sitter's the one time he has no school on his birthday, I think the new 11-year-old had a good day.

We honestly would have loved to have had the day off with him. But both hubby and I have major deadlines that just wouldn't allow it. Somehow we'll make it up to him. He had a great time at the sitter's anyway so it probably worked out for the best.

After we picked him up, we enjoyed some birthday "cake" -- actually an ice cream treatza pizza type thing from Schwan's. I put 11 candles on it and it wasn't enough to melt the ice cream, so he must be young still. (We won't be trying that for my birthday!)

Tonight was the season opener for racing at Golden Sands Speedway. Our nephew Colin is back in action in the superstock division so we wanted to be there to cheer him on for another season. Forecast called for way chilly weather, so we bundled up in sweatshirts, coats and hats. Trust me, by the end of the night, we needed all of that!

During time trials, we had them announce Carter's birthday. He thought that was pretty cool. He also reconnected with some of his "racing friends" so he was little to be seen -- except when he wanted money for ice cream. Really? Ice cream? Does the fact that I had to take my mittens off to give him money illustrate the irony? Kids these days. They don't get any smarter at 11, do they?

Colin did very well in the feature race. He started seventh and moved his way up to second place where he fought for first for the last 6 or 7 laps. It was very exciting. He just couldn't get around the first-place driver and ended up finishing second. But that's something to be very proud of the first time out for the year. I expect we'll see a lot of good racing the summer!

When we got home at 11, there was a birthday message for Carter from his old girl friend Tamara. How cool! I don't even have to tell you that he'll have sweet dreams tonight. Who needs presents, right? Family and friends are the best gifts ever! (And cash, probably.)