Riley’s Birthday Weekend

I was really nervous this year as I set up the festivities that would take place over Riley’s birthday weekend.

Last year, we traveled to Quebec City for a Kodaline concert and it was so much fun. A magic fell over that night that I can’t really describe well enough in words. Let’s just say it was a feeling that would be hard to duplicate on another occasion without the combination of variables present that night.

This year, I bought us tickets to see a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Riley has never stayed in Toronto, nor been to a game (despite being a huge Jays fan) so I thought it would be fun.

We took a Megabus to Toronto last Saturday morning and binge watched Prison Break season 3. Riley has been in a huge Prison Break mode ever since I introduced him to the show a few short weeks ago.

Once we’d arrived, we set off on foot to find the hotel we’d be staying at. Despite hotels in the downtown area being approximately 250% overpriced, our little (and by little I mean LITTLE, but we’ll just call it cozy and intimate for positivity’s sake) Manor room was ultra convenient and close in proximity to everything we came to Toronto for.

We ate supper at Fran’s Upper Deck Restaurant and watched the Blue Jays take on the Yankees over nachos and a few pints. It was delicious.

The weekend was starting off on a GREAT note.

After walking around some more, we picked up some snacks (and a toothbrush for me… who USUALLY NEVER FORGETS TO PACK ANYTHING…) and retired to our room to watch some TV. We would have watched Prison Break, but for some strange reason my power cord was not being cooperative despite multiple outlet attempts and cord maneuvering tactics.

The early morning wake up had both of us (okay.. me more than the Birthday Boy himself) excited to get some birthday breakfast at Cora’s and head to the Rogers Centre to line up for the free TOQUE GIVE AWAY DAY!

In reality, there were plenty of toques to spare since people trickling in an hour after the gates open were still sporting them. But hey.. an adrenaline rush for free things makes it all worth it right?

We opted for the standing room area in the outfield since our tickets were in the nosebleeds and it was a sold out game against the Yankees. The sun blessed Riley with a birthday sunburn, but I think standing up was still the better choice.

The Jays pulled out a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth and the crowd (us included) went WILD. What a way to end off Riley’s first game there, I’ll tell ya.

Walking back to the bus station, we had to find a place to eat and fate led us down a random nearby street where a Denny’s sat. I had breakfast (obviously) and the birthday boy chose a lunch option. To each his own.

The bus ride back was a tough one, but A BIRTHDAY MIRACLE occurred.

My power cord came back to life!

We watched Prison Break to pass the time and got in bed before 1:30am (super impressive considering we factored in showers and unpacking..).

Riley says this year topped last year’s by far so everything was worth it!

All I can think of now is.. what the heck am I going to have to pull out of my hat for next year?!!?!

#thoughts