May is the NEW December - Schedule is BLOWN Up

May sneaks up on you.  It seems like January and February last forever, and the out of nowhere, it's May.  The calendar is crowded.  My tank is empty before the month even starts, motivation gone.  Isn't this the time of year where things should be winding down?  Instead, they are ramping up.  Every Saturday and Sunday is packed with events.  The weather is warmer.  I want to get in shape, walk a lot, and unearth this winter body but am terrified to pull out those shorts and sleeveless tops.  And, NOW rain every single day for eternity!

Anywho...let's get into it!  The beginning of May brought on the DERBY!

We had the opportunity to attend this year-first time ever!  How is it possible that we have lived in Kentucky our entire lives and never been?!?!  When I found out we were going, I reached out to my Derby-going friends to see if someone had a hat or fascinator I might borrow.  A shopper/fancy dresser, I am not - the only small collection of hats I own are for golf and beach!

  Karson and I did some shopping in Nashville the weekend prior.  I thought I would never find a dress, mainly because I was looking for a specific color.  The cuts, looks, and fits were not flattering at all.  I had pretty much given up when we found the store Versona in Opry Mills Mall.  I'd never heard of it, but the window display drew me in.  Score, I found a few to try on and left with an affordable dress that I liked and looked good on me (not necessarily my colorless style - however, it worked).  Will I ever wear again?  Not likely.

  

We're so fancy on Millionaire's Row - yes, we totally belong here.  Is this not the best fascinator ever?  I got SO many compliments on it - thanks Stacie!!!  So BRIGHT and FUN!

 

My sister and brother in law always host a big gathering as well!  The weather wasn't super cooperative, but we still had a great day!

 

Had to share this pic of Karson and Elizabeth rocking their scrubs and looking adorable! 
Karson is officially off the orientation clock and on her own as a nurse. 

I miss Isaac so much it honestly hurts. He’s moving back on Friday, and I’m going to soak up every minute with him this summer—might be the last one he spends at home!  He wanted us to come to Richmond last Saturday to help pack up things.  His last day of school is Thursday, and his internship in Bowling Green starts next week.

While we were there, we went to the Pinnacles in Berea.  I knew we were out of our element when the 0.8 up hill trek in no way felt like a "quick" hike as his friends described - HAH.

Confession:  I am VERY out of shape.  This isn't news, and I felt it more than ever at Red River Gorge two months ago.  A half mile on a trail feels way longer than it does on a road.  I can easily walk 3-4 miles in our neighborhood ~ not so much with hiking!  Also, since practically losing my entire right calf muscle and achilles to pickleball years ago nothing arduous seems easy.

At the .2 marker, I immediately flashed back to my kids watching Good Burger when Ed and Dexter were trying to break into Mondo Burger.

You just jump on the burger, jump on the fries, then you hop on the cup, and shimmy up the straw!

We were climbing through rocks and shimmying up pathways.  I had to stop knowing I could get up further but coming down would be pure trouble.  Matt was able to get up a little higher than me and snagged the picture with Isaac and his in shape crew!

Did I mention this "path" we were on wasn't easily identified so when Isaac's buddies chose to head over to the East Trailhead, we casually bowed out.  We still had the 45 minute hike back to the car, 20 minute drive to Richmond from Berea, getting Isaac packed up, driving back to BG which is a haul - it was time for us to go.  Little did we know the Blair Witch Project was heading our way.  I think we got turned around 2-3 times trying to find the right "trail" and parking lot.  Thankfully, I had left my phone in the car so that was our North Guiding Star.  Whew.  It was a day!

Mother's Day was perfect start to finish!  Our kids spoiled me with gifts.  Miles was off work, which is rare, and I got to spend the entire day with him!

I wanted Drake's, and it did not disappoint.  Matt and I celebrated my motherhood with Mimosas and the waitress even brought me the cutest little wine tumbler.  Sweet.  I had my favorite - the crispy orange shrimp bowl while Matt and Miles got BLT sandwiches.  They both said it was the BEST EVER.  Pro tip:  go to the brunch only served on Saturday and Sunday - you won't be disappointed. 

We decided to try out the new mini-golf course, The Shack, on our way back home.  The day was gorgeous, and we had some fierce competition.  Miles came away with the win, finishing #18 with a hole in one.  We celebrated with some soft serve - which is by far the best in town!

We went and visited with my mom that afternoon before heading over to Pap and Nana's for a pizza party birthday celebration!

Matt enjoying flying Andrew's drone and spying on the neighbors.

This weekend all the graduation parties begin!  Two weeks left before the BIG day for Miles.

June is coming friends.  It'll be summer soon.  Let's turn the power on and get through the crazy!