Mayday May Day

The end of April is fast approaching and I for one am pretty excited.  April was a pretty good month for the Ebbrecht family, but there are several things I am greatly looking forward to in May.  Warmer weather is at the top of the list, especially with a baby who loves to be outside.  What else is there to be excited about?  Well, since you asked, here are my top five reasons to celebrate next month...in order of occurrence.

1. The 140th Kentucky Derby.  The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports will take place Saturday, May 3. Hats, horses and hopefully warm weather...what other excuses do you need to throw a lawn party?  This year my money (if I were a betting girl) is on Wicked Strong.  He's No.4 in Derby points and as his name alludes, he will be racing for The One Fund Boston, which supports those affected by the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
2. Rock N Ribs.  Mmmmmm I do love good barbecue and this year I'm pleased to announce that Roo will be cooking up and competing with his finger lickin' good Roo-B-Q.  The two day festival of meat is May 9-10 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.  Come out and sample barbecue from 77 vendors and vote for the best...ahem...Roo-B-Q, of course.
3. Mother's Day.  Call up the florist, paint a piece of pottery, or hit up the nearest Hallmark but DO NOT FORGET to let your mom know just how awesome she is on Sunday, May 11.  After all, this is the one holiday we mothers had to earn.  Taylor cheated and gave me my gift early (kudos to Dad for helping her pick out the fab golf clubs), but that does not excuse her from showering me with adoration on the big day.
4.Taylor's first birthday.  Wow, it seems unbelievable that my baby is going to be a year old on May 20.  This has been the craziest, stressful, emotional yet rewarding year.  Having a baby is hard work, thus all the more reason to celebrate the previous item on the list.  I can't believe how much Taylor has grown in the last 11 months and I know the next month is going to fly by.  She is becoming quite the little girl and I'm looking forward to celebrating the day God gave us such a special little princess.
5. Memorial Day.  With such a crazy May schedule, I am looking forward to the kickoff of Lake Season even more than usual this year.  By then I will be more than ready for a weekend of relaxation and s'more roasting.  Although, with a one-year-old, not sure really how relaxing it's going to be.  But there will be s'mores.  And the Aqua Lily Pad will make it's lake debut.  If you need me, I'll be floating in the cove.  Or chasing Taylor.  Or hopefully roasting s'mores.
Whew!  And then it's on to June...